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monolith
IPA:
Dictionary definition of monolith
A single, large, unified entity that is perceived as unchanging, indivisible, and powerful.
"The government's policies appeared as a bureaucratic monolith, resistant to change."
Detailed meaning of monolith
Monoliths are often seen as having a great deal of influence and control over their respective domains. In the political arena, a monolith might refer to a government that is highly centralized and resistant to change. In the corporate world, a monolith might describe a large multinational corporation that dominates its industry. In the social sphere, a monolith could refer to a dominant cultural or religious group that holds significant power and influence. The term "monolith" suggests a sense of stability, power, and solidity, but it can also imply a lack of diversity or flexibility.
A word 'monolith' originally refers to a single large block of stone, typically of substantial size and weight, that has been shaped and placed by human hands. Monoliths have been used throughout history for various purposes, such as building structures, religious or ceremonial sites, and monuments. The most famous examples of monoliths are the standing stones found in ancient cultures like the Egyptians, the Druids and the Mayans. These structures can be found in many cultures around the world, and are often created to commemorate important historical or cultural events. Monoliths can be made from a variety of materials, including granite, limestone, and sandstone. They are often created through a process of quarrying, cutting, and shaping the stone. Monoliths can also refer to a single, large, unified entity or structure that is difficult to modify or divide, such as a software monolith.
Example sentences containing monolith
1. The corporation was often seen as a monolith in the industry, dominating every aspect of it.
2. In the desert, the massive sandstone monolith stood as a geological wonder.
3. Within the company, the CEO was often viewed as the monolith of decision-making.
4. Some consider the Great Wall of China a historical monolith representing the might of ancient China.
5. The traditional family structure is no longer a societal monolith; it has evolved over time.
6. The giant skyscraper seemed like a monolith towering over the city.
History and etymology of monolith
The noun 'monolith' traces its origins to the Greek words 'monos,' meaning 'single' or 'alone,' and 'lithos,' which translates to 'stone.' In ancient Greece, the term 'monolithos' referred to a single large stone or a solitary, massive rock formation. Over time, the concept of a single, unchanging, and imposing entity became associated with the word 'monolith.' The term was later adopted into Latin as 'monolithus' and eventually made its way into English, where it retains its fundamental meaning of a massive, singular structure or entity that stands as a symbol of strength, unity, or immutability. In contemporary usage, 'monolith' is often employed metaphorically to describe organizations, ideologies, or institutions perceived as unyielding, monumental, and unchangeable.
Further usage examples of monolith
1. The political party's ideology was a monolith that discouraged dissenting opinions.
2. The religious institution was perceived as a monolith of moral authority.
3. Critics argued that the mainstream media had become a monolith, controlling the narrative.
4. The artist's work challenged the idea that art should conform to a monolith of established norms.
5. Technology has transformed education, breaking down the monolith of traditional classrooms.
6. In the world of fashion, haute couture often represents a monolith of luxury and exclusivity.
7. The monolith of poverty can be difficult to overcome for many marginalized communities.
8. The ancient stone circle was considered a monolith of spiritual significance.
9. The military was often seen as a monolith of discipline and hierarchy.
10. The old regime was a political monolith that stifled dissent.
11. Despite its size, the corporation was often seen as a monolith lacking innovation.
12. The monumental artwork in the city center was a visual monolith, drawing tourists from afar.
13. The historic castle stood as a monolith of medieval power and architecture.
14. The town council was seen as a monolith that often dismissed its citizen's concerns.
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SAT 5 (Scholastic Assessment Test), Hegemony and Hierarchies, Business and Commerce
conglomerate,obelisk
column,corporation,megalith,monument,multinational,pillar
Synonyms for monolith
Quiz categories containing monolith
colossus, fragment, splinter, piece
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