Monosílabos (en. Monosyllables)

/monoˈsi.la.bos/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
Words that consist of a single syllable.
Spanish has many monosyllables like 'sun' and 'sea'.
El español tiene muchos monosílabos como 'sol' y 'mar'.
Monosyllables often carry a very direct meaning.
The monosyllable 'yes' is an affirmation.
El monosílabo 'sí' es una afirmación.
In poetry, monosyllables are used to create specific rhythms.
The rhyme in this poem is based on the use of monosyllables.
La rima en este poema se basa en el uso de monosílabos.

Etymology

From the Greek 'monos' meaning 'one' and 'syllable'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

decade of monosyllables
Era or period when one-syllable words prevail.
década de los monosílabos

Related Words

syllable
Minimal sound unit in a word.
sílaba
polysyllable
Word that contains more than one syllable.
polisílabo
diphthong
Combination of two vowels in the same syllable.
diptongo

Slang Meanings

Term sometimes used derogatorily to refer to people who lack ideas.
He always responds with monosyllables, as if he has nothing to say.
Siempre contesta con monosílabos, como si no tuviera nada que decir.
Referring to a shallow conversation.
The talk was so flat, full of monosyllables.
La charla fue tan plana, llena de monosílabos.