Meaning & Definition of word "Monolingual"

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    Monolingual

    /ˌmɒnəˈlɪŋɡwəl/

    noun:

    • 1. a person who speaks only one language.
      • Example: As a monolingual, she found it challenging to communicate with her multilingual classmates.
    • 2. a thing, such as a book, that is written in only one language.
      • Example: The library has a wide selection of monolingual texts for language learners.

    adjective:

    • 1. using or expressed in only one language.
      • Example: The monolingual education system in the region made it difficult for non-native speakers to integrate.
    • 2. pertaining to a person who speaks only one language.
      • Example: As a monolingual individual, he often struggled when traveling to countries with different languages.
    • 3. relating to a book or dictionary that provides definitions or information in a single language.
      • Example: The monolingual dictionary is a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of English.

    Etymology

    From the prefix 'mono-' meaning 'one' and 'lingual' relating to language.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    monolingual education:

    An education system where only one language is used.

    monolingual speaker:

    A person who can communicate in only one language.

    Related Words

    bilingual:

    Able to speak two languages.

    polyglot:

    Able to speak multiple languages.

    Slang Meanings of monolingual

    Meaning: Language dinosaur

    Example Sentence: He’s such a language dinosaur; he’s totally monolingual.