Monosyllabic: meaning, definitions and examples

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monosyllabic

 

[ ˌmɒnəˈsɪləbɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

word structure

Monosyllabic refers to words that consist of a single syllable. These words are often short and can be nouns, verbs, or adjectives. Examples include 'cat', 'run', and 'big'. Monosyllabic words are typically straightforward and easy to pronounce.

Synonyms

one-syllable, single-syllable.

Examples of usage

  • The word 'dog' is monosyllabic.
  • In English, many common words are monosyllabic.
  • Monosyllabic names like 'Jack' are quite popular.

Etymology

The term 'monosyllabic' originates from the Greek words 'monos' meaning 'single' and 'syllabē' meaning 'syllable'. This etymology reflects the definition of the word, emphasizing that it pertains to a singular sound unit within language. The concept has been discussed in linguistics since ancient times as scholars analyzed the structure of words and their syllabic composition. During the 19th century, the study of language, particularly phonetics and phonology, became more formalized, encouraging further exploration of monosyllabic words in English and other languages. Monosyllabic words are particularly notable in poetry and lyricism, where economy of language can enhance rhythm and impact.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,847, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.