online vocabulary.com

Monotony - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Monotony refers to a lack of variety or interest, often causing boredom. It describes repetitive actions, sounds, or situations that become dull over time. For example, daily routines can feel monotonous.

monotony

/məˈnɑːtəni/ /məˈnɒtəni/

Definition:

Lack of variety leading to boredom or repetitiveness.

Synonyms:

tedium, sameness, repetitiveness, dullness

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

variety, excitement

Common Collocations:

break the monotony, daily monotony, sheer monotony, mind-numbing monotony

Derivatives:

monotonous, monotonously, monotonousness

Usage Tips:

Use "monotony" to describe tedious repetition in work, routines, or sounds that lack variation.

Common Phrases:

the monotony of routine, escape the monotony, crush the monotony

Etymology:

From Greek "monotonos," meaning "of one tone" (mono- "single" + tonos "tone").

Examples:

  • 1. The job's monotony made him restless and unfulfilled.
  • 2. She broke the monotony of her commute by listening to podcasts.
  • 3. The endless paperwork created a sense of crushing monotony.
  • 4. Children often rebel against the monotony of strict schedules.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS