The Spanish word 'recoleto' meaning 'secluded' or 'withdrawn' comes from the Latin 'recollectus'. This Latin word was formed by combining the prefix 're-' meaning 'back' or 'again' with 'collectus' meaning 'gathered'. When these elements came together as 'recollectus', the meaning became 'gathered back' or 'withdrawn', which then evolved into Spanish 'recoleto' maintaining a similar sense of seclusion or withdrawal.

This word shares its roots with the more common Spanish verb 'recoger' (to gather, collect) and 'recogido' (gathered, collected). You can see how the idea of 'gathering' or 'collecting' oneself away from others led to the meaning of 'secluded' in 'recoleto'.

English speakers might recognize the connection to words like 'collect' and 'recollect', which come from the same Latin root 'collectus'. While these English words maintained the meaning of gathering things or memories, the Spanish 'recoleto' developed the more specific meaning of withdrawal or seclusion. The 're-' prefix is also familiar in English words like 'return' and 'repeat'.