Monosyllabism

Monosyllabism is the use of one-syllable words, especially in speech or writing, to the point of being terse, uncommunicative, or dismissive. It can be a stylistic choice, an effect of limited vocabulary, or a deliberate tactic to avoid revealing information or expressing complex thoughts. While sometimes efficient and direct, excessive monosyllabism can make communication appear abrupt, unrefined, or even rude, hindering nuanced understanding and potentially conveying a lack of engagement. It often lacks the complexity and richness of vocabulary seen in normal discourse.

Monosyllabism meaning with examples

• During the interrogation, the suspect’s answers consisted primarily of monosyllables: “Yes,” “No,” “Maybe,” and “Don’t know.” The detective struggled to gain any useful information, finding the monosyllabism frustrating. The suspect’s apparent detachment underscored his refusal to cooperate and the difficulty to extract truth under pressure.
• The politician was known for his monosyllabic responses during press conferences. Reporters would ask lengthy, detailed questions, only to be met with a curt, one-word answer, like “Approved” or “Denied.” This tactic protected his public image while offering minimal clarity to the public, which in turn generated criticism of his lack of transparency.
• In the film, the character played a brooding, taciturn hero with a strong tendency toward monosyllabism. Their entire dialogue consisted of grunts and single-word responses and his enigmatic nature created an air of mystery. It heightened the character's sense of isolation and created an effective impression of strength and self-control.
• After the argument, their communication lapsed into monosyllabism. Simple answers like “Fine” and “Okay” replaced the previous free flow of conversation. This marked a clear emotional distance between the parties. Their lack of discourse reflected the underlying tension and unwillingness to resolve the issue.
• The author used monosyllabism to create a minimalist narrative style. Sentences consisted of sparse dialogue, making the story quick-paced and direct. It conveyed the protagonist's emotional numbness, illustrating the isolating effects of trauma without elaborate exposition, generating a bleak and effective tone.