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Soliloquy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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soliloquy

[sษ™หˆlษชlษ™kwi ]

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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 characterโ€™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.

Origin of 'soliloquy'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'soliloquy' comes from the Latin word 'soliloquium', which means 'a talking to oneself'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century. Soliloquies have been a common literary device in plays to provide insight into a character's inner thoughts and feelings.

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.