monopolylogue: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely Rare / ObsoleteLiterary / Historical / Theatrical
Quick answer
What does “monopolylogue” mean?
A dramatic piece or performance in which one actor plays all the characters.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dramatic piece or performance in which one actor plays all the characters.
A theatrical performance, often a series of sketches or a play, performed by a single actor who takes on multiple distinct roles. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation where one person dominates a conversation or event by taking on multiple roles or viewpoints.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant modern usage difference, as the term is obsolete in both varieties. Historically, it was used in British theatre (e.g., by Charles Mathews).
Connotations
Historical, quaint, theatrical novelty.
Frequency
Virtually never used in contemporary English in either the UK or US. Found only in historical texts about theatre.
Grammar
How to Use “monopolylogue” in a Sentence
[Actor] performed a monopolylogue entitled [Title].The evening featured a monopolylogue by [Performer].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely used in historical studies of 19th-century theatre.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
A historical term in theatre studies and performance history.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monopolylogue”
- Misspelling as 'monopolylog' or 'monopolouge'.
- Confusing it with 'monologue'.
- Using it as a synonym for any long speech.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and largely historical term from theatre.
A monologue is a long speech by one character. A monopolylogue is an entire dramatic piece performed by one actor playing multiple distinct characters.
You can, but most listeners will not understand it. Terms like 'one-person show' or 'solo performance' are standard today.
The English comedian and actor Charles Mathews (1776-1835) was famous for his 'At Home' monopolylogues.
A dramatic piece or performance in which one actor plays all the characters.
Monopolylogue is usually literary / historical / theatrical in register.
Monopolylogue: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɒnəˈpɒlɪlɒɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑːnəˈpɑːlɪlɑːɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To pull a monopolylogue (informal, non-standard: to dominate a conversation by impersonating others).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MONO (one) + POLY (many) + LOGUE (speech): one person giving a speech with many characters.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SINGLE CONTAINER HOLDING MULTIPLE IDENTITIES.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'monopolylogue'?