What does monologue mean?
A monologue is an extended piece of speech delivered by one person without interruption. It may be formal or theatrical, as when an actor speaks alone on stage, or informal, as when someone gives a personal address at a gathering. The word can also describe a person's sustained flow of private thoughts, frequently called an internal monologue, although this expression normally suggests a stream of consciousness rather than a polished speech. In criticism of conversation, a monologue can carry a negative sense: an exchange in which one participant talks at length and prevents others from contributing. A dramatic monologue is more specifically a speech by a character that reveals thoughts and feelings to the audience. The word comes from Greek roots meaning “single” and “speech,” and it is especially associated with drama, performance, and the formal expression of one person's perspective.
A long speech by one person, especially one delivered as part of a performance or expressing a particular viewpoint.
"The director asked the actor to rewrite the opening monologue."
The term may also refer critically to a conversation dominated by one speaker.
To speak at length, especially in a way that allows one person to dominate a conversation or performance.
"She monologued about her career for nearly an hour."
This verb is relatively uncommon and can sound mildly critical when the speaker prevents others from participating.
The standard plural of the noun is “monologues,” as in “the play contains several monologues.”
"The anthology brings together monologues by actors, poets, and comedians."
From the Greek roots for “single” and “speech,” a monologue is literally speech that stands alone.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does monologue come from?
The word entered English in the early 19th century from French monologue, which was formed from Greek monos, meaning “single” or “alone,” and logos, meaning “word,” “reason,” or “speech.” Its early theatrical sense was a speech delivered by one character, while later usage extended the term to extended speeches and uninterrupted conversational discourse. Related English words such as monogram and monograph also reflect the Greek element monos, meaning “single” or “one.”
Related word forms
How monologue is actually used
In its third sense, the term is often critical, suggesting that one person is monopolizing a conversation. The dramatic sense is common in theatre, film, and literary criticism.
Easily confused with monologue
A soliloquy is speech in which a character reveals private thoughts, especially on stage, whereas a monologue is any extended speech delivered by one person and may be directed at an audience.