mono

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "mono" is correct and usable in written English.
Mono is typically used as a prefix meaning "one." For example, you can use the word "monochrome" as an adjective to describe something that is a single color.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

All the same, one obvious way to answer the question "Why poly?" is that it offers benefits that monogamy doesn't (just as mono offers benefits that poly doesn't).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Enthusiasts swear the higher acoustical "resolution" of a mono recording allows individual instruments to be discerned more clearly, despite the paucity of location cues in the sound picture.

The Economist

Thus, a mono pick-up, which suppresses vertical motion, can eliminate many of the unwanted ticks and pops that a stereo pick-up will faithfully reproduce.

The Economist

The new mono release is not to be confused with the disappointing set of CDs ("The Beatles in Mono") produced in 2009 from digital masters.

The Economist

In any case, the influence of mono- or bilingualism on vocabulary size is later overtaken by the importance of education, socio-economic status, reading and writing habits.

The Economist

To discerning ears, a mono record played on a high-end turntable with a well-damped and carefully matched tone-arm and cartridge (stylus)—offers an audio experience next only to hearing the original performance live.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

But this is exactly what happened this week and it marks a significant, historic milestone on Ireland's journey away from being a mono-Catholic state into a 21st European republic.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, only one thing is certain – at the very least, this is turning out to be the most fascinating presidential contest since the liberal candidate Mary Robinson won in 1990, her victory marking a turning point in the country's evolution from mono-Catholic state to modern European republic.

The Guardian

Also interwoven, for historical context, is a biography of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the mono-ethnic Turkish republic which replaced the multi-ethnic Ottoman world.Given that his book is presented as a sort of history lesson, Mr de Bernières will be challenged on his facts.

The Economist

But common attachment to a single urban space has not able to prevent previously cosmopolitan Mediterrean cities such as Alexandria or Izmir from turning into mono-ethnic, mono-religious ones; nor does it instantly solve the problem of co-existence between devout Sunni Muslims and everybody else.

The Economist

Saying Mittal suffered from "mono-cultural management" was a minor jibe; describing the offer as "monkey money" was far worse.Arcelor rubbished the quality of Mittal's steel and criticised its corporate governance.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mono" in technical contexts like audio recording, ensure clarity by specifying what aspect is monophonic (e.g., "mono recording", not just "mono").

Common error

Avoid using "mono" when "stereo" is appropriate. "Mono" refers to a single channel, while "stereo" involves multiple channels for a richer sound experience. Understanding this difference is crucial in audio-related contexts.

Linguistic Context

The word "mono" functions primarily as an adjective or a prefix meaning 'single' or 'one'. As demonstrated in Ludwig, it modifies nouns to indicate a singular aspect, such as in "mono recording" or "mono cartridge".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mono" primarily serves as an adjective or prefix signifying 'single' or 'one'. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, though its frequency is higher in technical and audio-related discussions. The term sees frequent usage in news and media and in scientific domains. While adaptable, it's essential to differentiate "mono" from "stereo" accurately. Ensure contextual precision when using "mono", as clarity is paramount. According to Ludwig, "mono" is widely used, but ensure correct usage by consulting examples to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one

A basic synonym directly indicating singularity.

single

Replaces "mono" emphasizing the characteristic of being one.

uni-

Prefix indicating "one" or "single", like "mono".

solitary

Highlights the aspect of being alone or isolated, similar to "mono" in some contexts.

sole

Emphasizes that there is only one of something, akin to "mono".

a single

Highlights the singleness of an item or concept.

individual

Focuses on a single, separate entity.

just one

Emphasizes the quantity being exactly one.

unified

Implies a single, cohesive unit, relating to "mono"'s sense of oneness.

simplex

A more technical term for something simple or single.

FAQs

How is "mono" used in audio contexts?

In audio, "mono" refers to a single channel audio signal, often contrasted with stereo, which uses two channels. A "mono recording" captures sound from a single point, resulting in a less spatial sound.

What are some synonyms for "mono"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "mono" include "single", "sole", or "individual". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "mono" or "stereo"?

Both "mono" and "stereo" are correct, but they describe different audio configurations. "Mono" is single-channel, while stereo is two-channel. The appropriate term depends on the audio setup.

What is the difference between "mono" and "monaural"?

"Mono" is often used as a shorthand for "monaural", meaning single-channel audio. While "mono" is more common in informal contexts, "monaural" is the more technically precise term.