monte carlo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical (in specific fields)
Quick answer
What does “monte carlo” mean?
A city district in Monaco, famous as a luxury resort and gambling center.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A city district in Monaco, famous as a luxury resort and gambling center.
Used attributively to describe methods, simulations, or events that involve random sampling or are associated with high-stakes risk and luxury.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The term is equally recognized in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of luxury, gambling, and risk.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English due to geographical proximity and historical cultural ties to mainland Europe.
Grammar
How to Use “monte carlo” in a Sentence
[Monte Carlo] + NOUN (as a compound modifier)in + [Monte Carlo]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monte carlo” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The fund manager used a Monte Carlo analysis to assess portfolio risk.
- They led a Monte Carlo lifestyle of yachts and casinos.
American English
- The engineer ran a Monte Carlo simulation for the nuclear reactor model.
- He dreamed of the Monte Carlo glamour seen in old films.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to financial risk modelling using Monte Carlo simulations.
Academic
In mathematics, physics, and engineering: a computational algorithm that relies on repeated random sampling.
Everyday
Primarily refers to the location as a symbol of luxury and gambling.
Technical
A stochastic technique used in quantitative finance, project management, and computational physics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monte carlo”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monte carlo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monte carlo”
- Using a lower case 'm' in 'Monte' (it's a proper noun).
- Confusing 'Monaco' (the country) with 'Monte Carlo' (the district).
- Misspelling as 'Monty Carlo'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Monte Carlo is an administrative area (a ward) and the main resort district within the sovereign city-state of Monaco.
It is a mathematical technique that uses random sampling and statistical modeling to estimate the probability of different outcomes in a process that is difficult to predict due to the intervention of random variables.
The district was named in 1866 in honour of Prince Charles III of Monaco. 'Monte Carlo' means 'Mount Charles' in Italian.
No, it is not standardly used as a verb. It is a proper noun used attributively (as an adjective) in terms like 'Monte Carlo simulation'.
A city district in Monaco, famous as a luxury resort and gambling center.
Monte carlo is usually formal, technical (in specific fields) in register.
Monte carlo: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɒnti ˈkɑːləʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑːnti ˈkɑːrloʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not a Monte Carlo.”
- “A Monte Carlo of possibilities.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MONTE means mountain, CARLO means Charles. Remember 'Charles's Mountain' of money and chance.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A GAMBLE (when referring to the casino), UNCERTAINTY IS RANDOMNESS (when referring to the simulation method).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the 'Monte Carlo method' primarily used?