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Monosyllable: meaning, definitions and examples

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monosyllable

 

[ ˈmɒnəʊˌsɪl.ə.bəl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

language study

A monosyllable is a word that consists of only one syllable. Monosyllables are significant in various aspects of linguistics, particularly in phonetics and phonology, where they may serve as basic units of speech. Examples of monosyllabic words include 'cat', 'run', and 'tree'.

Synonyms

one-syllable word

Examples of usage

  • The word 'dog' is a monosyllable.
  • In poetry, monosyllables often create a rhythmic quality.
  • Children often start learning to read with monosyllable words.

Translations

Translations of the word "monosyllable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 monossílabo

🇮🇳 एकाक्षरी

🇩🇪 einstämmig

🇮🇩 suku kata tunggal

🇺🇦 односилловий

🇵🇱 jednosylabowy

🇯🇵 単音節の (たんおんせつの)

🇫🇷 monosyllabe

🇪🇸 monosílabo

🇹🇷 hece

🇰🇷 단음절의 (dan-eumjeol-ui)

🇸🇦 مفرد المقاطع

🇨🇿 jednoslabičný

🇸🇰 jednoslabičný

🇨🇳 单音节 (dān yīn jié)

🇸🇮 enozložni

🇮🇸 eitt atkvæði

🇰🇿 бір буынды

🇬🇪 ერთი სილბური

🇦🇿 bir hecalı

🇲🇽 monosílabo

Word origin

The term 'monosyllable' originates from the Greek word 'monosyllabos', where 'mono-' means 'one' and 'syllabē' means 'syllable'. This construction highlights the characteristic of a monosyllable being made up of a single syllable. The use of monosyllabic terms dates back to ancient languages, where they were essential in constructing language and facilitating communication. Throughout history, linguists have focused on monosyllables due to their simplicity and prevalence in basic vocabulary across numerous languages, emphasizing their importance in phonetic studies and language acquisition.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,931 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.