WordValemonologue
a long speech by one character
a long speech by a single character
In more detail
1. (noun) a long speech by one person, often without interruption from others
2. (noun) a long speech in a play or movie spoken by one character, usually alone on stage
Examples
- 1. The president gave a monologue about his plans for the country.
- 2. In the film, the actor delivered a powerful monologue about his character's past.
How to use monologue
A monologue is a continuous speech by one person, typically uninterrupted. In theatrical contexts, it often refers to a character speaking alone on stage (soliloquy is more specific: when a character reveals inner thoughts). In everyday speech, monologue suggests a somewhat tedious or self-centered talk that others cannot easily interrupt. It carries a mild negative connotation compared to neutral terms like 'speech' or 'address'.
Common phrases
- deliver a monologue
- lengthy monologue
- dramatic monologue
- internal monologue
- monologue from a play
Synonyms
soliloquy · long speech · tirade · oration · address
Opposites
dialogue · conversation · discussion
Word family
monologist · monologue (verb) · monologic · monological
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse monologue with soliloquy; soliloquy is specifically when a character speaks their private thoughts aloud, while monologue is any long uninterrupted speech.
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