Definition

1. Noun:
   • A long speech by one character in a play or film: A monologue is a dramatic speech delivered by a single character, often expressing their thoughts or feelings aloud.
   • A long, uninterrupted speech by one person in a conversation: A monologue can also refer to a lengthy talk by one person that dominates a conversation, preventing others from participating.
   • A speech made to oneself; soliloquy: In a broader sense, a monologue is a form of speech where a person speaks their thoughts aloud, often when alone.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Dramatic Speech):
  • The actor's powerful monologue in the final act moved the entire audience to tears.
  • Shakespeare's plays are famous for their insightful character monologues.
• Noun (Dominating Speech):
  • The meeting turned into a monologue by the manager, with no one else able to contribute.
  • He went into a long monologue about his travels, not noticing his friends' boredom.
• Noun (Speech to Oneself):
  • She muttered a quiet monologue while trying to solve the difficult puzzle.
  • His constant internal monologue made it hard for him to focus on the lecture.

Advanced Usage

• "To go into a monologue": To start speaking at length, often without regard for others' desire to speak.
  • Every time we discuss politics, my uncle goes into a monologue about the economy.
• "Dramatic monologue": A specific poetic or theatrical form where a single speaker addresses a silent listener, revealing their character.
  • Robert Browning's poem "My Last Duchess" is a classic example of a dramatic monologue.

Variants and Related Words

• Monologist (n): A person who performs monologues, especially as a form of entertainment.
  • The monologist captivated the crowd with a series of humorous stories.
• Monologic (adj): Having the character of a monologue; dominated by one voice or perspective.
  • The lecture was disappointingly monologic, with no opportunity for questions.

Synonyms

• Soliloquy: A speech in a play where a character speaks their thoughts aloud while alone on stage.
• Lecture: A long, serious speech, especially one given as a method of teaching.
• Tirade: A long, angry speech of criticism or accusation.

Related Phrases

• Interior monologue: The expression of a character's thoughts and feelings in a narrative.
  • The novel uses interior monologue to give readers deep insight into the protagonist's mind.
• Comic monologue: A humorous speech performed by a single person.
  • The stand-up comedian's comic monologue had the entire club laughing.

Noun

1. a (usually long) dramatic speech by a single actor
2. a long utterance by one person (especially one that prevents others from participating in the conversation)
3. speech you make to yourself