What does monology mean?
Monology denotes an extended speech delivered by one person without substantial interruption. In everyday use, it often suggests someone has claimed the floor and is speaking at length, while in theatrical or literary contexts it can refer to a solo performance or sustained speech by one character. The word is related to monologue, a more familiar synonym, but is less common in contemporary English. Monology comes from the Greek roots monos, meaning “alone” or “only,” and logos, meaning “speech,” so its core sense is literally “speaking alone.” Although monologue may also name a specific dramatic form, monology is generally used descriptively for a long, uninterrupted utterance. Its usefulness lies in naming a recognizable feature of conversation: the moment when exchange gives way to a single sustained voice. Depending on context, the term may sound neutral, technical, or mildly critical, especially when a speaker monopolizes attention. It is typically pluralized as monologies.
nounAn extended or uninterrupted speech delivered by a single person, especially one that dominates a conversation or dramatic scene.
- An extended, uninterrupted speech made by one person.
"His emotional monology held the audience's attention for several minutes."
"After a brief introduction, the candidate launched into a forceful political monology."
"The play's central scene consists of a monologue delivered by the character alone on stage."
The standard plural adds -ies to monology.
"The recordings contain several extended monologues by the same narrator."
A monology is a conversation's opposite number: one voice holds the floor.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does monology come from?
Monology was used in English by the 17th century, formed from the Latin monologia. The Latin word derives from the Greek monologos, meaning “speaking alone,” with monos meaning “alone” and logos meaning “speech” or “discourse.” Its close English cognate monologue follows the same Greek roots and has become the more familiar modern term.
Related word forms
How monology is actually used
Monology is less common than monologue in contemporary English. It can be neutral, describing a solo performance or speech, but it may carry a critical implication that one speaker is dominating the discussion.
Easily confused with monology
Monologue is the more common term and is especially associated with a solo theatrical performance or a character's extended speech, while monology is a less common near-synonym for an extended speech by one person.