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Monologue Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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monologue

[หˆmษ’nษ™lษ’ษก ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

dramatic

A monologue is a long speech by one person during a conversation or performance, often revealing their inner thoughts and emotions.

Synonyms

address, soliloquy, speech.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
monologue

A monologue is used when a single speaker is talking for an extended period without interruption. It is commonly found in plays, films, and literature to reveal a character's thoughts or tell a story.

  • The actor delivered a captivating monologue about his character's inner struggles
soliloquy

A soliloquy is similar to a monologue but is particularly used in drama to express a character's thoughts aloud when they are alone on stage, providing insight into their internal state.

  • In Shakespeare's play, Hamletโ€™s โ€˜To be, or not to beโ€™ soliloquy reveals his contemplation of life and death
speech

A speech is a formal talking event where someone speaks to an audience. It can be used in various contexts like ceremonies, presentations, or public announcements.

  • She prepared a speech for her brother's wedding, highlighting his key qualities
address

An address is given in a formal setting, often to a large audience. Itโ€™s commonly used in political, academic, or ceremonial contexts.

  • The mayor gave an address to the city on the importance of recycling

Examples of usage

  • He delivered a powerful monologue in the play.
  • Her monologue was filled with raw emotion.
  • The actor's monologue captivated the audience.
Context #2 | Noun

comedy

A monologue can also refer to a stand-up comedy routine where a comedian speaks alone to entertain an audience.

Synonyms

comedy routine, comic speech, stand up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
monologue

A long speech by a single person, often in a play or performance, addressing others or thinking out loud. Can also be used in real-life settings when one person dominates the conversation.

  • The actor delivered a captivating monologue in the final act of the play.
  • Her monologue at the dinner table went on for ten minutes.
comedy routine

A set of humorous remarks or stories performed for entertainment, typically by a comedian. This term is specifically focused on making an audience laugh.

  • His comedy routine had everyone laughing out loud.
  • She spent weeks perfecting her comedy routine for the talent show.
stand up

A form of comedy where a comedian performs live in front of an audience, telling jokes and engaging with the crowd. The focus is on spontaneous and direct interaction.

  • He started his career in comedy by doing stand-up at local clubs.
  • The stand-up show last night was hilarious, with the comedian interacting directly with the audience.
comic speech

A humorous address or talk meant to entertain an audience. It can be used more broadly than a comedy routine as it might not always follow a scripted format.

  • He gave a comic speech at the wedding, and the guests couldn't stop laughing.
  • Her comic speech during the award ceremony was the highlight of the night.

Examples of usage

  • She performed a hilarious monologue at the comedy club.
  • The comedian's monologue had the audience in stitches.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Theater

  • In theater, monologues allow a character to express their inner feelings and thoughts, revealing their motivations.
  • Shakespeare used monologues extensively; one of the most famous is Hamlet's 'To be, or not to be' speech.
  • Modern plays often include monologues to give a voice to characters' personal struggles and emotions.

Psychology

  • Monologues can serve as a form of self-reflection, helping individuals process their thoughts and feelings.
  • In therapy, sharing a personal narrative as a monologue can aid in understanding oneโ€™s own experiences.
  • The practice of speaking to oneself, akin to a monologue, is common and can help with problem-solving.

Pop Culture

  • Famous movies like 'Dead Poets Society' feature monologues that inspire and provoke deep emotional responses.
  • Television shows often highlight monologues in character development, like Olivia Popeโ€™s speeches in 'Scandal.'
  • Stand-up comedy frequently relies on monologues, as comedians share stories and observations in an engaging way.

Literature

  • Authors like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf used stream-of-consciousness monologues to explore characters' inner thoughts.
  • Monologues in poetry can convey powerful emotions, as seen in works by poets like T.S. Eliot.
  • Notable novels include long monologues that delve into a character's psyche, enriching the narrative.

Origin of 'monologue'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'monologue' comes from the Greek word 'monologos,' meaning 'speaking alone.'
  • It first appeared in English literature in the early 17th century, often used in plays.
  • The prefix 'mono-' means 'one,' while '-logue' comes from 'logos,' meaning 'speech' or 'reason.'

The word 'monologue' originated from the Greek word 'monologos', which means speaking alone. In ancient Greek drama, monologues were commonly used to convey the inner thoughts and emotions of characters. Over time, the term evolved to encompass solo performances in various contexts, from theatrical to comedic. Today, monologues continue to be a powerful tool for actors, comedians, and speakers to engage audiences and express themselves.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,487, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.