VocabDictionary

monotonous

/məˈnɒt.ən.əs/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Lacking in variety and interest; tedious due to being repetitive or unvarying.

Example Sentences:
  • The professor's monotonous delivery made it difficult for the students to stay awake during the lecture.
  • After weeks of doing the same monotonous tasks at the factory, she decided it was time for a career change.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “monotonous”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'monotonos', composed of 'monos' (single, alone) and 'tonos' (tone, pitch). It entered English in the 17th century to describe sounds or speech that lacked variation in pitch, eventually expanding to describe any activity or situation lacking variety or interest.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Mono (one) + tone (sound) = staying on one single tone, which becomes boring.

Frequently Asked Questions About “monotonous

1. What is the meaning of “monotonous” in English?

In English, monotonous (adjective) is defined as: “Lacking in variety and interest; tedious due to being repetitive or unvarying.”.

2. How do you use “monotonous” in a sentence?

The professor's monotonous delivery made it difficult for the students to stay awake during the lecture.

3. What are English synonyms of “monotonous”?

Common synonyms include:tedious,repetitive,dull,humdrum,monotone

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “monotonous”?

Derived from the Greek 'monotonos', composed of 'monos' (single, alone) and 'tonos' (tone, pitch). It entered English in the 17th century to describe sounds or speech that lacked variation in pitch, eventually expanding to describe any activity or situation lacking variety or interest.