soliloquize
/sə'liləkwaiz/ Cách viết khác : (soliloquise) /sə'liləkwaiz/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To talk to oneself: To speak one's thoughts aloud when alone or regardless of any hearers, especially as a dramatic device in a play.
Usage
- The verb "soliloquize" describes the act of uttering a soliloquy or speaking one's internal monologue aloud. It is often used in literary or theatrical contexts but can also describe real-life behavior where a person speaks their thoughts without addressing a specific listener.
- It is typically used intransitively (e.g., "He soliloquized about his fate."). It can sometimes be used transitively when followed by a clause introduced by 'that' or a question word (e.g., "She soliloquized that life was unfair.").
Examples
- Verb:
- The actor stepped to the front of the stage to soliloquize about his character's inner conflict.
- Lost in thought, he would often soliloquize while walking through the empty house.
- In the play, the villain soliloquizes, revealing his evil plan to the audience.
Advanced Usage
- Dramatic and Literary Context: In drama, a character soliloquizes to express private thoughts, often creating a direct connection with the audience. This is a key convention in works like Shakespeare's ("To be, or not to be..." is a soliloquy, so Hamlet is soliloquizing).
- Reflective or Meditative Speech: The term can describe extended, reflective monologues in non-theatrical settings, often implying deep contemplation.
- The old philosopher would soliloquize for hours by the fireplace.
Variants and Related Words
- Soliloquy (n): A speech in which a character speaks to themselves, expressing thoughts aloud, often in a play.
- Hamlet's soliloquy is one of the most famous in English literature.
- Monologue (n): A long speech by one person, which may be addressed to other characters (unlike a soliloquy, which is typically a character talking to themselves).
- Soliloquist (n): A person who soliloquizes (less common).
Synonyms
- Monologize: To speak in a monologue.
- Muse: To consider or say something thoughtfully.
- Talk to oneself: The direct, non-technical phrase.
Antonyms
- Dialogue (v/n): To engage in a conversation between two or more people.
- Converse: To exchange thoughts and ideas in spoken words with others.