Monotonous: meaning, definitions and examples

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monotonous

 

[ məˈnɒtənəs ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

sound

Dull, tedious, and repetitious; lacking in variety and interest.

Synonyms

boring, dreary, tedious, unvarying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • The teacher's monotonous tone made it difficult for the students to stay awake.
  • Working on the assembly line felt monotonous after the first few hours.
tedious

Use this word to describe something long and tiresome, where the length and repetitiveness make it annoying or hard to endure.

  • Filling out the paperwork was a tedious process.
  • The tedious journey by bus made everyone irritable.
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.

  • The lecture was so boring that I almost fell asleep.
  • She found the book boring and couldn't finish reading it.
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.

  • The dreary weather made everyone feel lethargic.
  • Living in that dreary town had taken a toll on his spirits.
unvarying

Best used when emphasizing the lack of change or variety over time, often in a more neutral tone compared to 'monotonous' or 'tedious'.

  • His daily routine was unvarying, starting and ending at the same hours every day.
  • The unvarying diet left much to be desired in terms of excitement.

Examples of usage

  • The monotonous sound of the dripping tap was driving me crazy.
  • His monotonous voice put me to sleep.
Context #2 | Adjective

routine

Lacking in variety, interest, or change; having the same tone or pitch throughout.

Synonyms

repetitive, unchanging, uniform, unvaried.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
monotonous

Used to describe something that is dull and lacking in variety, often related to tasks, activities, or sounds.

  • The lectures were monotonous and put everyone to sleep
  • Her job became monotonous after doing the same thing every day
repetitive

Describes an action or process that occurs over and over again, often in a tedious or boring manner.

  • The work at the factory is very repetitive, involving the same steps all day long
  • Listening to his repetitive complaints can be draining
uniform

Means consistent and the same in form or character. Often used in positive or technical contexts to describe consistency or standardization.

  • The soldiers marched in a uniform manner
  • The data showed a uniform distribution across all categories
unvaried

Describes something that lacks diversity or variety, typically with a negative connotation of being dull or boring.

  • The menu at the restaurant is unvaried and doesn't offer many choices
  • His unvaried routine left no room for excitement
unchanging

Indicates something that does not change over time, remaining constant and stable. It can be neutral or positive, depending on the context.

  • The unchanging landscape made the long drive seem endless
  • His unchanging support has been a constant in my life

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

Translations of the word "monotonous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 monótono

🇮🇳 निरंतर

🇩🇪 eintönig

🇮🇩 monoton

🇺🇦 монотонний

🇵🇱 monotonny

🇯🇵 単調な

🇫🇷 monotone

🇪🇸 monótono

🇹🇷 monoton

🇰🇷 단조로운

🇸🇦 رتيب

🇨🇿 monotónní

🇸🇰 monotónny

🇨🇳 单调

🇸🇮 monoton

🇮🇸 einhæfur

🇰🇿 монотонды

🇬🇪 მონოტონური

🇦🇿 monoton

🇲🇽 monótono

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,770, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.