monotone
|mon/o/tone|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈmɑːnəˌtoʊn/
🇬🇧
/ˈmɒnətəʊn/
unchanging tone
Etymology
Etymology Information
'monotone' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'monotonos,' where 'mono-' meant 'single' and 'tonos' meant 'tone.'
Historical Evolution
'monotonos' transformed into the Latin word 'monotonus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'monotone' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'single tone,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'unchanging tone or pitch.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a continuous, unchanging sound or tone, often perceived as dull or boring.
The teacher's voice was a monotone, making it hard to stay awake.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39