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Soliloquy: meaning, definitions and examples

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soliloquy

 

[səˈlɪləkwi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

drama

An act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, especially by a character in a play.

Synonyms

address, monologue, speech.

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Word Description / Examples
soliloquy

This word is used in literature, especially in plays, where a character speaks their thoughts aloud, often when they are alone. It reveals the character's inner thoughts to the audience.

  • In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', the 'To be, or not to be' soliloquy reveals Hamlet's inner conflict.
  • The character delivered a moving soliloquy that gave insight into her deepest fears.
monologue

This word is used when a single person speaks for an extended period, either to an audience or within a dialogue. It can be used in plays, movies, or even casual situations where one person dominates the conversation.

  • The actor's monologue was captivating and earned him applause from the audience.
  • During the meeting, her long monologue left no room for others to contribute.
speech

This is a general term used when someone speaks to an audience on various occasions like weddings, funerals, public events, or even in classrooms.

  • The guest speaker's speech at the conference was both inspiring and informative.
  • He nervously prepared his speech for his best friend's wedding.
address

This word is used when someone is speaking formally to a group of people, often in settings like conferences, ceremonies, or political events.

  • The president gave an address to the nation outlining new policies.
  • At the graduation ceremony, the principal's address highlighted the achievements of the students.

Examples of usage

  • She had a habit of delivering soliloquies while walking alone in the park.
  • Hamlet's soliloquy 'To be, or not to be' is one of the most famous in literature.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'soliloquium', which means 'talking to oneself'.
  • It combines 'solus' (alone) and 'loqui' (to speak) which highlights its meaning of speaking alone.

Literature

  • One of the most famous uses of soliloquy is in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', where the character reveals deep inner thoughts.
  • In modern theatre, soliloquies help the audience understand a character’s motivations and emotional state.

Film and Drama

  • In film, characters may use soliloquies to reflect on their decisions or express feelings directly to the audience.
  • Some iconic movies utilize internal monologues, which are a form of soliloquy, to convey complex emotions.

Psychology

  • Talking to oneself can help with problem-solving and emotional processing, acting as a cognitive tool.
  • Research shows that self-talk can improve focus and performance, linking back to the idea of soliloquy as a form of mental rehearsal.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Various cultures have historical traditions of self-reflection, often through public speaking or poetry, akin to soliloquies.
  • In some Eastern philosophies, self-dialogue is seen as a way to achieve mindfulness and clarity.

Translations

Translations of the word "soliloquy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 monólogo

🇮🇳 स्वगत भाषण

🇩🇪 Monolog

🇮🇩 monolog

🇺🇦 монолог

🇵🇱 monolog

🇯🇵 独白 (どくはく)

🇫🇷 monologue

🇪🇸 monólogo

🇹🇷 monolog

🇰🇷 독백 (독배)

🇸🇦 مناجاة

🇨🇿 monolog

🇸🇰 monológ

🇨🇳 独白 (dúbái)

🇸🇮 monolog

🇮🇸 einkamála

🇰🇿 монолог

🇬🇪 მონოლოგი

🇦🇿 monoloq

🇲🇽 monólogo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,372, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.