Describing a word, phrase, or utterance consisting of only one syllable. This can also be used to describe a person's speech or manner of communication, indicating a tendency to use few words and respond with brief, often curt answers. monosyllabic communication can be perceived as direct, taciturn, uncommunicative, or even rude depending on context and intent. The term implies brevity and a lack of elaboration or detail. It is related to the root words mono (one) and syllable.
Monosyllabic meaning with examples
- During the interrogation, the suspect gave monosyllabic replies, offering only 'yes' or 'no' to most questions, frustrating the detectives. His guarded responses hindered the progress of the investigation. This made it difficult to get any useful information.
- The exhausted traveler, after a long journey, greeted his host with a monosyllabic 'Tired', before collapsing into a chair, too weary to elaborate. He closed his eyes, wanting nothing more than to rest after all of his exertions.
- Her curt, monosyllabic email responses, often just a single word like 'Okay' or 'Fine', suggested she was displeased with the project's revisions. Her lack of elaboration hinted at her frustration. The team could not accurately gauge the impact of the changes.
- The child, shy and reserved in new environments, offered monosyllabic answers when meeting her relatives, saying 'Good' and 'Fine', making her seem aloof. However, she was really overwhelmed by the new social interactions and was not used to them.