Monotone: meaning, definitions and examples
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monotone
[ ˈmɒn.ə.təʊn ]
speaking style
A monotonous tone or pitch in speaking or reading, lacking variation in inflection, intonation, or expressiveness.
Synonyms
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.
color or sound
Consisting of one unvaried tone or pitch; lacking in variety or modulation.
Synonyms
monochrome, uniform, unvarying
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.
Word origin
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.