monotone

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'monotone' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's voice or an aspect of a place that does not have much variation in pitch, sound, or inflection. For example: "She spoke in a monotone voice, and the walls of the room were a dull, monotone color."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The worst thing you could possibly do with £496,000 is hand it to Charlie Sheen and ask him to joylessly monotone his way through another flat, featureless, morbidly unfunny 22 minutes of Two and a Half Men.

The Guardian

A monotone monarch worked her way through a long list that had been handed to her, with the aim of convincing a country that its new government is pulsating with energy and purpose.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the courtyard of a simple mosque bordered by recently dug graves Mohammad recounts in a low monotone how he lost his daughter.

The Guardian

A chilling monotone".

The Guardian

You don't put yourself in situations to risk," she adds in a rapid, whispering monotone with a Serbian accent.

The Economist

As he slurred his monotone words, the crowd yawned, and quickly thinned.Style may not be his forte, but Mr Mwanawasa has successes under his belt.

The Economist

Its main thesis is that "markets are conversations" among humans who use language that is "natural, open, honest, direct, funny and often shocking" and above all "unmistakably genuine", whereas companies and governments are stuck in "the humourless monotone of the mission statement, marketing brochure, and your-call-is-important-to-us busy signal".

The Economist

It is a shame, then, that the author lapses all too frequently into turgid technocratic monotone.

The Economist

Whereas they electioneered in a disciplined monotone, he spoke freely and from the heart.

The Economist

Jerry Yang, the internet company's boss and co-founder, and his top lieutenants read a prepared statement of banalities and clichés in a robotic monotone, then recycle them when pretending to answer questions from Wall Street analysts—until the tedium overwhelms all concerned.

The Economist

At rallies even his own supporters were fast bored by the former lawyer's monotone drawl.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "monotone" to describe speech, consider the context. Is it a neutral observation, or are you implying boredom or lack of engagement? Choose synonyms like "lacking inflection" or "flat tone" for precision.

Common error

Avoid using "monotone" when you mean "monotony". "Monotone" describes a lack of variation in sound or color, while "monotony" refers to tedious repetition or lack of variety in general. Don't say "the monotony of the landscape" if you mean it lacks varying colors or shades; use a different descriptive term.

Linguistic Context

The word "monotone" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that lacks variation in pitch, tone, color, or other qualities. As Ludwig shows, it often characterizes speech or visual elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "monotone" is a versatile adjective used to describe something lacking variation, primarily in sound, color, or expression. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts. When using "monotone", it's important to be mindful of the context and potential connotations. While it can neutrally describe a lack of variation, it can also imply boredom or apathy, especially when describing a person's voice or demeanor. To achieve precision and avoid unintended negative implications, consider using synonyms like "lacking inflection" or "flat tone".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

monotonous

Synonym, interchangeable in many contexts, but can also refer to tedious repetition beyond just sound.

lacking inflection

Focuses specifically on the absence of vocal variation.

without variation

Emphasizes the absence of any change or diversity.

flat tone

Highlights the evenness and lack of emotional coloring in speech.

unvaried

Highlights the lack of change or diversity.

dull and uninteresting

Shifts focus to the lack of appeal or excitement.

expressionless

Emphasizes the absence of emotion or animation.

unemotional delivery

Specifically addresses the absence of feeling in a performance or speech.

lack of modulation

Technical term for the absence of change in pitch or volume.

tedious and repetitive

Conveys the sense of boredom and sameness.

FAQs

How can I use "monotone" in a sentence?

You can use "monotone" to describe something lacking variation, such as "The speaker delivered his speech in a "monotone voice"" or "The room was painted in a "monotone color"."

What's the difference between "monotone" and "monotonous"?

"Monotone" specifically refers to a lack of variation in pitch, tone, or color. "Monotonous" describes something that is repetitive and boring, often due to a lack of variation in general. While related, they aren't always interchangeable.

What are some synonyms for "monotone" when describing a voice?

When describing a voice, you could use synonyms like "flat tone", "lacking inflection", or "expressionless" to convey a similar meaning.

Can "monotone" be used to describe things other than voices?

Yes, "monotone" can describe anything lacking variation, such as a landscape, a color scheme, or even a musical composition. However, be sure that "lack of variation" is what you want to express.