monotropy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Academic
Quick answer
What does “monotropy” mean?
The principle or state of having a single, primary attachment or focus.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The principle or state of having a single, primary attachment or focus.
In psychology, the theory that an infant has an innate tendency to form a strong attachment to one primary caregiver. In chemistry, the property of a substance existing in only one stable crystalline form under given conditions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, scientific connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, confined to academic papers and textbooks in specific disciplines.
Grammar
How to Use “monotropy” in a Sentence
[The] monotropy [of something][To] challenge/explain/support monotropyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monotropy” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The monotropy hypothesis was central to his argument.
- They studied the material's monotropy behaviour.
American English
- The monotropy hypothesis was central to his argument.
- They studied the material's monotropy behavior.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in developmental psychology and chemistry/physics papers discussing crystalline forms.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
The primary context, especially in technical discussions of attachment theory or materials science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monotropy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monotropy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monotropy”
- Confusing it with 'monotony'.
- Using it outside its technical contexts.
- Misspelling as 'monotrophy' (which would relate to feeding).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency technical term used almost exclusively in academic psychology and chemistry.
It is the idea that infants have an inborn tendency to form a strong, primary emotional bond with one specific caregiver, usually the mother.
No, 'monotropy' is exclusively a noun. There is no standard verb form like 'to monotrope'.
The opposite is 'polymorphism', which is the ability of a solid material to exist in more than one form or crystal structure.
The principle or state of having a single, primary attachment or focus.
Monotropy is usually technical/academic in register.
Monotropy: in British English it is pronounced /məˈnɒtrəpi/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈnɑːtrəpi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MONO (one) + TROPY (turning towards) = turning towards one primary person or form.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTACHMENT IS A MAGNETIC POLE (a single, strong point of attraction).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'monotropy' NOT typically used?