Monotone: meaning, definitions and examples

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monotone

 

[ ˈmɒn.ə.təʊn ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

speaking style

A monotonous tone or pitch in speaking or reading, lacking variation in inflection, intonation, or expressiveness.

Synonyms

dull, flat, lifeless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
monotone

Best used to describe something that lacks variation in pitch or tone, often referring to speech or sound.

  • His speech was delivered in a monotone, putting the audience to sleep
flat

Refers to something that lacks emotion, energy, or variance. Often used to describe performances or personalities.

  • Her singing was technically perfect, but it felt flat and uninspired
lifeless

Used to describe something or someone that appears to lack vitality, energy, or spirit. This term often carries a negative connotation.

  • The flowers in the vase looked lifeless and droopy after a week without water
dull

Describes something that is uninteresting, boring, or lacks brightness. Can refer to both visual and experiential aspects.

  • The lecture was so dull that half the class fell asleep

Examples of usage

  • He spoke in a monotone, putting everyone to sleep.
  • She read the story in a monotone voice, without any emotion.
  • The professor's lecture was delivered in a monotone, making it difficult to stay focused.
Context #2 | Adjective

color or sound

Consisting of one unvaried tone or pitch; lacking in variety or modulation.

Synonyms

monochrome, uniform, unvarying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
monotone

When referring to a voice or sound that doesn't change in pitch or tone, typically creating a boring or dull effect.

  • His speech was in a monotone, making it hard to stay awake
uniform

When referring to something consistent and unchanging in form or character across different instances.

  • The students wore uniforms, all looking the same, with no variation
unvarying

When referring to something that remains constant and does not change in any way, often carrying a neutral to slightly positive tone.

  • She followed an unvarying routine every morning, which helped her stay organized
monochrome

When referring to images, designs, or objects that are composed of one color or shades of one color.

  • The artist's monochrome painting used only different shades of blue

Examples of usage

  • The painting had a monotone color scheme, with shades of gray throughout.
  • The song had a monotone melody, repeating the same notes over and over.

Etymology

The word 'monotone' originated from the Greek word 'monotonos', meaning 'having a single tone'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of monotone has been associated with lack of variation or expressiveness, both in speaking and in other forms of expression.

See also: intone, overtone, overtones, ton, tonality, toned, toner, tones, toning, undertone, undertones.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,268, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.