Definition

Describing a word or expression that has only one syllable.

Example

The word 'cat' is monosyllabic because it has just one syllable.

Conversation

Why does Sam always give such monosyllabic answers during discussions?

I know, right? It's like he doesn't want to elaborate at all.

Exactly! It's frustrating when you want to have a deeper conversation.

Totally! Sometimes I wish he would just share more of his thoughts.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Monosyllabic → It is formed from "mono-" (from Greek "monos", meaning single or one) and "syllabic" (from Greek "syllabē", meaning syllable). The word describes a word that consists of a single syllable.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mono-' meaning 'one' and 'syllabic' relating to 'syllable' — so monosyllabic refers to a word that has just one syllable.

Visually Confused Words