Monologue
/ˈmɒnəlɒɡ/
Definitions
2 meaningsA prolonged talk or discourse by a single speaker, especially one dominating a conversation.
/ˈmɒnəlɒɡ/
A long speech by one actor in a play or film.
The play's most famous scene is Hamlet's soliloquy, a type of monologue.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone telling a long story on stage all by themselves. That's a monologue! Like when a character in a movie talks to themself for a long time.
👶 For kids: When one person talks for a really, really long time, like telling a whole story all by themselves!
More Examples
The comedian delivered a hilarious monologue about everyday life.
The actor's monologue captivated the audience.
How It's Used
"Shakespeare is famous for his powerful monologues."
"The actor prepared a compelling monologue for his audition."
A long, tedious speech by one person during a group conversation.
/ˈmɒnəlɒɡ/
A speech by one person in a group.
The professor launched into a lengthy monologue about the history of the subject.
💡 Simply: Ever been in a conversation where someone just keeps talking and talking, and you can't get a word in edgewise? That's a monologue!
👶 For kids: When someone talks and talks and talks, and nobody else can talk!
More Examples
I tried to interrupt, but he was on a monologue and wouldn't stop.
She became known for her monologues, which, though interesting, made conversations one-sided.
How It's Used
"He went on a long monologue about his new car, ignoring everyone else."
"She gave a monologue on the benefits of her diet plan."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
monologue (to oneself)
Speaking one's thoughts aloud when alone.
"He started having a monologue to himself when he was frustrated."
From Greek *monologos*, from *monos* 'single, alone' + *logos* 'speech'. It originally referred to a speech by one person, and later broadened to encompass the dramatic form.
The word 'monologue' has been used since the 16th century and initially referred to a dramatic device where a single actor spoke directly to the audience.
Memory tip
Think of a *mono* (single) *log* (speech) – a solo performance.
Word Origin
"single, alone"