GREAT GIFT IDEA!

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

✔ Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

4.9

Transform Your Vocabulary Today!

monotony

noun

/məˈnɒt n i/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of monotony

A state or quality of being dull, repetitive, and lacking in variety or excitement.
"She sought to break the monotony of her routine by trying out new hobbies."

Detailed meaning of monotony

It is often associated with a lack of change or diversity, leading to a sense of sameness and predictability. When something is characterized by monotony, it tends to follow a monotonous pattern, lacking any significant variations or breaks. This can apply to various aspects of life, such as work, routines, or daily activities that become tedious and uninteresting due to their repetitive nature. Monotony can lead to feelings of boredom, discontentment, and a loss of motivation. It is often seen as an undesirable state, as humans typically seek stimulation, novelty, and a sense of variety in their experiences. Breaking free from monotony can involve introducing new elements, changing routines, or seeking out activities that bring freshness and excitement to one's life.

Example sentences containing monotony

1. The repetitive nature of the assembly line work created a sense of monotony among the workers.
2. The daily routine of waking up, going to work, and coming back home added to the monotony of his life.
3. The long train journey was filled with monotony as the landscape remained unchanged for hours.
4. The monotonous drone of the lecturer's voice put the students to sleep.
5. The repetitive tasks at the office led to a sense of monotony and decreased productivity.
6. He found solace in music, which helped alleviate the monotony of his daily commute.

History and etymology of monotony

The noun 'monotony' can be traced back to the Greek word 'monotonia,' which is a combination of 'monos,' meaning 'alone' or 'single,' and 'tonos,' meaning 'tone' or 'sound.' Originally, in the context of music, 'monotonia' referred to a single, unchanging tone or note, lacking in melody and variation. Over time, the term evolved to describe a state or quality of being dull, repetitive, and lacking in variety or excitement, extending its meaning beyond music to various aspects of life. The etymology of 'monotony' underscores the connection between the concept of unchanging tones or sounds and the notion of a repetitive and unvaried routine or experience, emphasizing the sense of tedium associated with it.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun monotony:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of monotony

1. The lack of variety in the menu added to the monotony of dining at the same restaurant every day.
2. The monotonous sound of rain tapping on the roof created a soothing atmosphere.
3. The endless paperwork and documentation added to the monotony of his administrative job.
4. The monotonous gray walls in the office contributed to the overall sense of monotony in the workplace.
5. She yearned for adventure and excitement to break the monotony of her mundane life.
6. The repetitive nature of the task made time seem to drag on, adding to the monotony.
7. The monotonous landscape of the desert stretched out for miles, devoid of any distinct features.
8. The monotonous routine of household chores became a source of frustration for her.
9. The daily commute brought a sense of monotony to his life.
10. She yearned for adventure to break the monotony of routine.
11. Monotony in his speech made it hard to stay engaged.
12. The endless paperwork added to the office monotony.
13. A vacation was the antidote to her workday monotony.
14. The monotony of the desert landscape was breathtaking.
15. His voice had a soothing monotony that put people to sleep.
16. Monotony settled in as the rain continued for days.
17. They sought ways to escape the monotony of their hometown.
18. The ticking of the clock echoed the monotony of the day.
19. The monotony of a grayscale world left her feeling drained.
20. In the small town, the monotony of life was inescapable.
21. Monotony in relationships can lead to boredom and apathy.
22. The droning lecture added to the class's monotony.
23. She found solace in the monotony of her daily yoga practice.
24. Monotony was shattered by a sudden burst of laughter.
25. The job's monotony was balanced by a great paycheck.
26. Monotony can be a breeding ground for creativity.
27. The symphony of raindrops broke the garden's monotony.
28. Monotony can be a silent killer of motivation.