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Monochrome Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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monochrome

[ˈmɒnəkrəʊm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

black and white

Monochrome refers to the use of a single color or shades of a single color, often black and white. It is commonly used in photography, art, and design.

Synonyms

black and white, grayscale, monotone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
monochrome

This term is best used to describe images or designs that consist of varying shades of a single color, not just limited to black, white, and gray.

  • He preferred monochrome designs because they are less distracting
black and white

Use this phrase when you specifically mean something that contains only black and white colors, often referring to photography, movies, or illustrations.

  • The old black and white movies have a certain timeless charm
grayscale

This term is technical and refers to images that only contain shades of gray, often in digital contexts or when discussing printing.

  • Graphic designers use grayscale to analyze the tonal range of an image
monotone

This word is typically used to describe unvarying noise or speech, often carrying a negative connotation as it implies dullness.

  • The professor's monotone lecture made it hard to stay awake

Examples of usage

  • Her artwork focused on monochrome compositions.
  • The monochrome filter on the camera created a vintage look.
  • The room was decorated in a monochrome color scheme.
Context #2 | Adjective

displaying a single color or shades of a single color

Monochrome can also describe something that displays a single color or shades of a single color, typically black and white.

Synonyms

monotone, one-colored, single-colored.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
monochrome

Used to describe an image, design, or scene that is in shades of a single color, usually black and white. It is commonly used in discussions about art, photography, fashion, and design.

  • The photographer has a special penchant for monochrome pictures that capture emotions beautifully
  • The monochrome painting added a minimalist charm to the room
single-colored

Similar to 'one-colored,' it describes something that consists of just one color. It is used in a variety of contexts such as art, design, fashion, and decor.

  • The artist's latest work is a single-colored canvas that evokes calmness
  • The single-colored curtains complemented the overall theme of the room
one-colored

Used to describe something that is uniformly covered in a single color. It is often applied in a more straightforward or informal way than 'monochrome'.

  • She chose a one-colored dress for the party, which looked elegant
  • The walls were painted in a one-colored scheme to keep the decor simple
monotone

Typically used to describe a way of speaking that has no variation in pitch and is often perceived as dull or boring. It is usually applied in the context of speech or sound.

  • The professor's monotone lecture made it hard for students to stay awake
  • Her monotone voice lacked the enthusiasm to engage the audience

Examples of usage

  • The monochrome display of the old TV was nostalgic.
  • She wore a monochrome outfit for the party.
  • The logo was designed in a monochrome style.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art and Design

  • Monochrome art can create strong visual impacts, often emphasizing form and texture over color diversity.
  • Famous artists like Kazimir Malevich and Yves Klein explored monochrome styles, representing philosophy and emotion with limited color.

Photography

  • Monochrome photography often focuses on tones and contrasts, highlighting shadows and lights rather than colors.
  • Black and white photos can evoke a sense of nostalgia and timelessness, making them popular in fine art.

Fashion

  • Monochromatic outfits create a sleek and streamlined appearance, often used in modern fashion to convey elegance.
  • Wearing one color from head to toe can make a strong fashion statement and is considered a trending styling technique.

Psychology

  • Using monochrome palettes in environments can influence mood and feelings, sometimes creating a calm or focused atmosphere.
  • Research indicates that people may respond differently to monochrome designs compared to colorful ones, often favoring simplicity.

Origin of 'monochrome'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'mono,' meaning 'one,' and 'chroma,' meaning 'color.'
  • It was first used in English in the 19th century to describe art and photographs that use one color scale.

The term 'monochrome' originated from the Greek words 'mono' meaning 'one' and 'chroma' meaning 'color'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century. The concept of monochrome has been used in various forms of art and design throughout history, with black and white being a classic example of monochrome representation.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,027, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.