If you are a cultural enthusiast or love reading cultural magazines and publications, “monolithic” might be one of the unique words you’ve come across. Are you interested in knowing the monolithic definition, meaning, and how the word applies in different contexts? Well, the word means single or devoid of any variation, but there’s more to that below.
“Monolithic” means a “uniform character and structure.” Something monolithic is a “single entity that does not combine with anything else” naturally. It depicts wholeness and simplicity. When “monolithic” is used in some sentences, the meaning becomes indisputable.
However, the meaning of monolithic varies in different contexts. You do not want to miss exploring the word “monolithic,” as it is interesting when you get to know its definition, meaning, correct spelling, and example in sentences. It will also be fascinating to know how to pronounce the word and its history and etymology as covered in this article.
What Is the Definition of Monolithic?
The definition of “monolithic” is “a single entity or a thing with structural and character uniformity.” “Monolithic” can also be defined as “something that is not variable, and has no different forms or aspects.” The word, therefore, describes things that possess uniform characteristics.
The above definitions show that the word “monolithic” has different definitions that vary according to the context in which the term has been used. Make sure you don’t mismatch the definitions because that will make your context lose its meaning.
Monolithic Meaning in Historical Context
You’ll also encounter this word when you try to define something that “resembles a monolith.” That is a single massive and upright stone that serves as a monument. For example, a shaped structure that has remained the same over the years is described as a monolithic structure.
Traditional architectural designs are also described as “monolithic structures,” especially when their historical origin is stone. These structures are carved into outstanding stone structures. In the United States, you will find historical monoliths, mainly in Arizona and California.
Monolithic also refers to a “society or system that is large and characterized with rigid uniformity.” The uniformity can either be in how they do things or the general look of the population. For instance, some journals refer to the Latino population as monolithic. It’s because most of the members of the Latino community look alike. The same applies to other different communities.
The term “monolithic society” also means a community that is slow to adapt to changes or incorporate new ideas. Mostly, it is because of the huge number of members. Sometimes it might also be because of the rigid rules governing them.
What Is the Meaning of Monolithic?
Monolithic also means having “a single form or being in a state of one thing.” A good example is a monolithic rock or a monolithic stone. This means that it is a single massive rock.
“Uniform,” “unitary,” or “rigid” are some of the words with similar meanings, and that can help us to understand the word “monolithic.” You should, however, be keen when using the monolithic synonyms not to distort the context.
Example Contexts That Use Monolithic to Mean “One Thing”
The above meaning of monolithic is among the most recognized and known among many language enthusiasts. Let us now look at two instances that expound more on this word to appreciate its usefulness. Here we go!
- Monolithic government: In the governance system, this kind of government is considered monopolistic in a bad way. For instance, a ruling power that is quite powerful and focuses more on letting people do what they want rather than listening to them and working unanimously is monolithic.
- Monolithic column: This phrase is common in structural entities. When a structure has a single column made of an individual rock, we can say that the column is “monolithic.” Such structures were common in ancient times because they originated from one big rock.
How to Use Monolithic in a Sentence
“Monolithic” can be used as a noun or an adjective in a sentence. Most people make a mistake when using this vocabulary to construct a sentence or during a speech which can be pretty embarrassing.
It is critical to comprehend the definition and meaning to avoid such humiliation. The good thing about this word is that you don’t have to read it multiple times to perfect its usage. If you know how to use the word in noun and adjective form, you’re good to go.
As a Noun
“Monolithic” as a noun is used to describe a group of things uniform in character or something uniform in nature. For example, in a sentence: Most great cities look monolithic to newcomers.
As an Adjective
Monolithic is commonly used to mean uniform in character or nature, for example, a giant monolithic building. “Monolithic,” in this case, describes the building as massive and uniform.
10 Examples of Monolithic in a Sentence
These ten examples apply the word “monolithic” in a sentence. That further elaborates on the diversity in the meaning of this word. Understanding the use of the word in each sentence will make it easier to use the word in your writing in the future.
- Non-governmental societies should not be seen as monolithic but rather as societies that provide critical services to the less fortunate.
- The football clubs could not organize a league by themselves due to the enormous costs associated with matches. They have to depend entirely on the monolithic media companies.
- The Roman Catholics in the north have been mistaken for a monolithic nationalist community, but that is not true.
- The challenge of drug abuse along the coastal region is getting out of hand. The federal government should not have been less monolithic when facing the menace.
- There is a debate on whether the Stonehenge of the United Kingdom is monolithic.
- Gaps in the monolithic wall were not only designed as windows to light the building but are also as picturesque.
- The legislative house has disagreed on the gazettement of monuments and monolithic sculptures in the southern state.
- He succeeded in creating a monolithic movement in his heydays, but his successors have contributed to its disintegration.
- A sociological theory has made us believe that capitalism is a monolithic social process.
- Today’s daily magazine has featured the little-known lady architecture behind the monolithic building in the middle of town.
How Do You Spell Monolithic?
The word is spelled as m-o-n–o-l-i-t-h-i-c or mä-nə-ˈli-thik.
Following the phonetic alphabet spelling of the word (mä-nə-ˈli-thik), monolithic is not spelled differently from its pronunciation. However, there is still a slight difference between spelling and pronunciation, especially with the change of accents. While spelling is essential in writing, pronunciation is critical in speech. Some words are spelled just the way you pronounce them.
How Do You Pronounce Monolithic?
The most common pronunciation is maa·nuh·li·thuhk.
The word is seemingly complex, and it’s easy to have difficulty with its pronunciation. According to the IPA, which is the international standards representation of speech sounds, monolithic pronunciation is maa·nuh·li·thuhk. The “c” in the word sounds like ‘k.’
Synonyms Of The Word “Monolithic”
- Massive
- Monumental
Antonyms Of The Word “Monolithic”
- Modular
- Small
How Many Syllables Are in Monolithic?
Monolithic has four syllables, which include mon-o-lith-ic.
The vowel sound in “monolithic” determines the number of syllables. Therefore, by dividing the word into syllables, you will have four syllables.
The History and Etymology of Monolithic
The word monolithic comes from the Greek word “monos,” which means “alone or single,” and “lithos,” which means “a stone or rock.” That led to the formation of the word monolith, which gave rise to monolithic, an adjective form of the monolith.
The adjective came up in 1802 to mean “formed of a single block of stone.” Later in 1849, the word was given a more distinct meaning to mean “resembling a monolith.” Monolithic would, after that, gain widespread use in 1902, which was a century later.
When Was Monolithic First Used?
Sir William Capel St.Clair, a British lawyer and politician was the first person to use the word in 1881.
It became the first recorded use of “monolithic.” He said, “These statutes are all so monolithic that they do not admit any amendment.” He was referring to the statutes or laws of the country.
Today the word has acquired a different meaning and is widely used in writings and speeches. It refers to uniformity. It is also common when you want to describe big organizations that have been slow to adopt changes and have similarities in characteristics.
Conclusion
After reading the comprehensive guide on the monolithic definition, meaning, and usage, you are now ready to use the word. Although the word can fit in different contexts, the meaning is not far-fetched. It points to a single item devoid of variation, whether a structure, society, or rock.
If you want to use the word to revamp your vocabulary, there is no way you can peruse it through the definition only. Most people check the meaning of a word, which is the only way they can extract information; that is how they end up misusing words. You have to be familiar with its meaning and usage.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.