soliloquize

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The word 'soliloquize' is a valid word in English, but it is used rarely.
It means to speak one's thoughts aloud, often used to reveal inner feelings and struggles. It is mostly used in literature, rather than in spoken or written English in everyday conversation. Example sentence: The depressed man soliloquized, letting out a heavy sigh as he spoke.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Among those who came to listen to Long soliloquize was a young congressional aide named Lyndon Johnson.

The New Yorker

Portrayed with acidic humor by Linda Kimbrough, Peter's mother doesn't get too much time to soliloquize because her son is such a teller of tall tales.

The New York Times

In "A Hand of Bridge," for which Mr. Menotti wrote the libretto and Samuel Barber wrote the score, players of a routine nightly game soliloquize about their vapid, depressing thoughts.

The New York Times

(At least most of the actors get the accents more or less right.) Everyone speaks such lovely prose that the characters barely communicate, but rather soliloquize past one another.

The New York Times

Mr. Pryce is more of a singer than Harrison was, and the great Lerner and Loewe songs have been reworked to allow him to soliloquize in melody rather than spoken patter.

The New York Times

Their connections are imaginative and tricky and revealed in a timely fashion, and they each get a chance to soliloquize plaintively.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

In prison lonely, miserable, and forgotten he soliloquizes on the meaning of his suffering.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That's the drama of Beethoven's brawny, odd-numbered symphonies, from the Third through the Ninth, where scenes of a sombre, searching, soliloquizing nature give way to festivities of dancing or marching.

The New Yorker

His film début, in "Love Is on the Air," called for him to spend plenty of time soliloquizing into microphones.

The New Yorker

Several times, I wanted to laugh, especially when the piano part and the orchestral accompaniment seemed to mimic the personalities of the star performers for which they were written: the one brusque, animated, and prone to soliloquizing; the other expansive, effusive, and occasionally a bit Wagnerian.

The New Yorker

"I was always dreaming about very powerful people — dictators and things like that," he soliloquizes at one point in the original film.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "soliloquize" when you want to convey a character or person is speaking their thoughts aloud, especially in a dramatic or theatrical way. It suggests a level of introspection and self-reflection.

Common error

Avoid using "soliloquize" interchangeably with "monologue" or "dialogue." "Soliloquize" implies speaking to oneself, whereas a monologue may be delivered to an audience, and a dialogue involves multiple speakers.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "soliloquize" is as an intransitive verb. It describes the action of a character or person speaking their thoughts aloud, often in a dramatic or reflective manner, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "soliloquize" functions as an intransitive verb denoting the act of speaking one's thoughts aloud, often in a theatrical or introspective manner. While grammatically sound, Ludwig AI marks it as rarely used in everyday speech, preferring formal or literary contexts, and its usage frequently appears in sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica. Related terms include "speak one's thoughts aloud" and "deliver a soliloquy". When employing "soliloquize", ensure it accurately reflects a character's internal monologue rather than a dialogue or formal monologue. The word choice is leaning toward a formal and literary register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deliver a soliloquy

Specifically refers to performing a formal soliloquy, often in a play.

speak one's thoughts aloud

A more general way of saying "soliloquize", applicable in various contexts.

monologue

Implies a longer, uninterrupted speech by one person.

speak to oneself

Emphasizes the act of talking without expecting a response.

muse aloud

Suggests thoughtful contemplation expressed verbally.

reflect out loud

Focuses on expressing internal reflections verbally.

share inner thoughts

Highlights the sharing of private thoughts, but may imply an audience.

express one's feelings openly

Indicates a broader sharing of emotions, not necessarily in solitude.

vocalize one's reflections

Formal and emphasizes the act of giving voice to internal reflections.

unburden oneself verbally

Implies emotional release through speaking, often to relieve stress or guilt.

FAQs

What does "soliloquize" mean?

"Soliloquize" means to talk to oneself, often revealing inner thoughts and feelings as if in a soliloquy.

When is it appropriate to use the word "soliloquize"?

Use "soliloquize" when describing someone speaking their thoughts aloud, particularly in a theatrical or introspective manner. It is less common in everyday conversation and more suited to literary contexts.

What are some alternatives to "soliloquize"?

Alternatives include "speak one's thoughts aloud", "monologue", or "speak to oneself", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How can I use "soliloquize" in a sentence?

Example: "In the play, the character would often pause to soliloquize, revealing his deepest fears and desires."