monotonal
|mo-no-ton-al|
🇺🇸
/ˌmɑnəˈtoʊnəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌmɒnəˈtəʊnəl/
single tone; lacking pitch variation
Etymology
'monotonal' originates from Greek elements, specifically 'mono-' (from Greek 'monos') meaning 'single' and 'tonal' from 'tone' (Greek 'tonos' via Latin/French).
'monotonal' was formed in English by combining the prefix 'mono-' with the adjective 'tonal' (from 'tone'). The element 'tone' goes back through Old French 'ton' and Latin 'tonus' to Greek 'tonos'.
Initially it literally meant 'having a single tone'; over time it has also come to be used figuratively for 'lacking variation or interest' (e.g., a monotonal voice or style).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having a single tone or pitch; composed of one tone.
The ancient chant was fairly monotonal, staying on one pitch for long stretches.
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Adjective 2
lacking variation in pitch, tone, or interest; monotonous in sound or style.
His monotonal delivery made the lecture hard to follow.
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Last updated: 2025/12/27 18:55