Monolog Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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monolog

[ˈmɒnəˌlɒg ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

literature, performance

A monolog is a long speech by a single character in a play or film that expresses their thoughts or feelings aloud. It often provides insight into the character's motivations or emotional state. Monologs can also be performed in literary forms, such as poetry or prose.

Synonyms

address, oration, soliloquy, speech.

Examples of usage

  • The actor delivered a powerful monolog that captured the audience's attention.
  • In the play, the protagonist's monolog reveals her inner struggles.
  • Shakespeare's plays often include famous monologs that showcase depth of character.
Context #2 | Noun

communication, conversation

In a broader context, a monolog can refer to any extended discourse spoken by one person in a conversation, often dominating the dialogue. This can happen in everyday situations when one individual shares their thoughts without interruptions.

Synonyms

discourse, monologue, narration, talk.

Examples of usage

  • During the meeting, he went on an unintentional monolog about his weekend.
  • Her monolog about travel left little room for others to share their experiences.
  • He has a tendency to fall into a monolog when discussing his interests.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Theater

  • Monologs are often used in theater to provide depth to characters, revealing their inner thoughts and motivations.
  • Famous playwrights like Shakespeare and Chekhov utilized monologs to captivate audiences and build emotional connections.

Literature

  • In literature, monologs can appear in novels and poetry, allowing characters to express their feelings directly to the reader.
  • James Joyce's 'Ulysses' features interior monologs that provide a deep insight into the characters' minds and their experiences.

Film and Television

  • Monologs have become iconic in cinema, with memorable scenes from films where characters deliver powerful speeches.
  • The Academy Awards often celebrate best performances featuring significant monologs, showcasing an actor's ability to convey emotion.

Psychology

  • Monologs can be used in therapy sessions as a means for individuals to express their thoughts and feelings.
  • Studies suggest that verbalizing thoughts through monologs can help with emotional processing and self-reflection.

Origin of 'monolog'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'monologos,' where 'mono' means single or one and 'logos' means speech or reason.
  • It entered the English language in the early 19th century, popularizing the concept of a solo speaker in performance.

The word monolog comes from the Greek 'monologos', which means 'speaking alone'. It is derived from 'mono-', meaning 'one' or 'single', and 'logos', meaning 'speech' or 'word'. The term gained prominence in the context of drama and literature, particularly during the Renaissance when dialogue-heavy plays began to include character speeches that revealed inner thoughts. Over time, the usage of monolog expanded beyond theatrical performances to encompass any situation where one person speaks at length, often dominating the conversation. This evolution reflects changes in communication styles, highlighting the importance of personal expression and the relationship between speaker and audience.