Monotonous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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monotonous
[mษหnษtษnษs ]
Definitions
sound
Dull, tedious, and repetitious; lacking in variety and interest.
Synonyms
boring, dreary, tedious, unvarying.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| monotonous |
This word is best used to describe something that is repetitive and lacks variety, often in a way that makes it dull or tiresome.
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| tedious |
Use this word to describe something long and tiresome, where the length and repetitiveness make it annoying or hard to endure.
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| boring |
This is a general term used to describe anything that fails to hold interest or stimulate. It applies broadly to activities, people, or situations.
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| dreary |
This word has a slightly negative connotation and is used to describe something that is depressing and lacking in cheer or excitement. It can be used for weather, locations, or situations.
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| unvarying |
Best used when emphasizing the lack of change or variety over time, often in a more neutral tone compared to 'monotonous' or 'tedious'.
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Examples of usage
- The monotonous sound of the dripping tap was driving me crazy.
- His monotonous voice put me to sleep.
routine
Lacking in variety, interest, or change; having the same tone or pitch throughout.
Synonyms
repetitive, unchanging, uniform, unvaried.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| monotonous |
Used to describe something that is dull and lacking in variety, often related to tasks, activities, or sounds.
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| repetitive |
Describes an action or process that occurs over and over again, often in a tedious or boring manner.
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| uniform |
Means consistent and the same in form or character. Often used in positive or technical contexts to describe consistency or standardization.
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| unvaried |
Describes something that lacks diversity or variety, typically with a negative connotation of being dull or boring.
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| unchanging |
Indicates something that does not change over time, remaining constant and stable. It can be neutral or positive, depending on the context.
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Examples of usage
- The monotonous routine of his daily life was starting to wear him down.
- The monotonous hum of the air conditioner filled the room.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Humans often find monotonous tasks lead to decreased motivation and can increase feelings of boredom.
- Studies show that engaging with varied activities enhances brain function and mental well-being.
- Repetitive experiences can reduce cognitive engagement, making it harder for the brain to focus and retain information.
Music
- In music, a monotonous piece can refer to a composition with little variation in rhythm or melody, often leading to listener fatigue.
- Repetitive musical phrases can create a trance-like state, which some genres like minimalism rely on.
- Instrumental pieces that are too monotonous may fail to capture an audienceโs attention over time.
Literature
- Authors use monotonous settings or dialogue to convey feelings of bleakness or routine in their narratives.
- In poetry, a monotonous rhythm can be used purposefully to reflect a theme of stagnation or sameness.
- Some novels dive deep into monotonous lives to eventually highlight breakthroughs or transformations of the characters.
Origin of 'monotonous'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'monotonos,' which means 'having one tone.'
- It was first used in English in the early 19th century to describe repetitive sounds or actions.
- The prefix 'mono-' means 'one' and is often found in words denoting singularity, like 'monologue' or 'monopoly.'
The word 'monotonous' originated from the Greek word 'monotonos', which means 'of one tone'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 18th century. The term was used to describe something that lacks variation or interest, often in reference to sounds or routines. Over time, 'monotonous' has become a commonly used adjective to describe anything repetitive or dull.