monotonous
/mə'nɔtnəs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Tediously uniform or unvarying in sound, style, or character: Describing something that lacks variation, change, or interest, often to the point of being boring or wearisome.
- Repetitive in a dull way: Characterized by tedious repetition or sameness.
Usage
- Used to describe sounds, voices, tasks, routines, or environments that are unchanging and therefore boring.
- It carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of stimulation or excitement.
Examples
- Describing a sound or voice:
- The lecturer's monotonous tone made it difficult to stay awake.
- The monotonous hum of the air conditioner was the only noise in the room.
- Describing an activity or experience:
- He found the factory work to be incredibly monotonous.
- The landscape on the drive was flat and monotonous.
Advanced Usage
- "monotonously" (adverb): In a monotonous manner.
- The machine beeped monotonously for hours.
- "monotonousness" (noun): The quality or state of being monotonous (less common).
- The monotonousness of the routine was draining.
Variants and Related Words
- Monotone (noun/adjective): A continuous, unchanging sound or tone of voice; lacking in variety.
- He spoke in a dull monotone.
- Monotony (noun): The state or quality of being monotonous; wearisome uniformity.
- The monotony of daily life can be stifling.
Synonyms
- Tedious: Too long, slow, or dull; tiresome.
- Repetitive: Containing or characterized by repetition.
- Humdrum: Lacking excitement or variety; dull.
- Unvarying: Not changing; constant or uniform.
Antonyms
- Varied: Incorporating a number of different types or elements.
- Interesting: Arousing curiosity or holding attention.
- Exciting: Causing great enthusiasm and eagerness.
- Dynamic: Characterized by constant change, activity, or progress.
Adjective
- sounded or spoken in a tone unvarying in pitch
- the owl's faint monotonous hooting
- tediously repetitious or lacking in variety; all work and no play"
- a humdrum existence
- nothing is so monotonous as the sea