The word "solipsism" originates from the Latin words "solus," meaning "alone," and "ipse," meaning "self." The term was first used in the context of philosophy to describe the belief that only one's own mind is sure to exist, and the external world and other minds cannot be known and might not exist outside the mind. The concept emphasizes the idea that knowledge or awareness is confined strictly to the self, and anything outside of one's personal consciousness cannot be confirmed with absolute certainty. "Solipsism" as a philosophical term began to gain traction in the 17th and 18th centuries as part of discussions on doubt and skepticism.