The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

monoglot

IPA:

Dictionary definition of monoglot

An individual who possesses the ability to speak, read, and understand just one language.
"It's never too late for willing monoglots to learn a second language."

Detailed meaning of monoglot

The noun "monoglot" refers to a person who can speak or understand only one language. Unlike a polyglot, who is proficient in multiple languages, a monoglot is limited to the use of a single language for communication. Being a monoglot can result from various factors, including limited exposure to other languages, cultural circumstances, or personal preferences. While there is no inherent disadvantage to being a monoglot, as many people in the world primarily communicate in a single language, being multilingual can offer a broader perspective and open doors to different cultures and opportunities for communication. The term "monoglot" is used to describe this linguistic limitation or preference for using one language exclusively.

Example sentences containing monoglot

1. My friend is a monoglot who only speaks English.
2. Being a monoglot can sometimes be limiting.
3. He is a monoglot, but he is working on learning a new language.
4. She grew up in a monoglot household where only one language was spoken.
5. Despite being a monoglot, he loves traveling to different countries.
6. Monoglots often struggle when communicating with people who speak multiple languages.

History and etymology of monoglot

The noun 'monoglot' is formed by combining two Greek roots: 'mono-' meaning 'one' and 'glōtta' meaning 'tongue' or 'language.' Therefore, 'monoglot' literally means 'one language.' Its etymology directly reflects its definition, describing an individual who has the ability to speak, read, and understand only one language. In contrast to 'polyglot,' which denotes someone proficient in multiple languages, 'monoglot' emphasizes a single linguistic capability, highlighting the limitation to one tongue or language in a person's linguistic repertoire.

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Further usage examples of monoglot

1. My grandmother is a proud monoglot who has no desire to learn another language.
2. Many English-speaking monoglots find it difficult to learn other languages.
3. He became aware of his monoglot status after attending an international conference.
4. Some people believe that being a monoglot is a disadvantage in today's globalized world.
5. Despite being a monoglot, she enjoys watching foreign films with subtitles.
6. Being a monoglot has never been an issue for him, as he has never felt the need to learn another language.
7. As a monoglot, she struggled to communicate while traveling abroad.
8. He proudly identified as a monoglot, fluent only in his native language.
9. Monoglots often miss the cultural and linguistic richness of multilingualism.
10. Being a monoglot limited her career prospects in our globalized world.
11. The monoglot tourist relied on translation apps to navigate foreign cities.
12. Monoglots may underestimate the advantages of bilingualism.
13. She admired her polyglot friend's ability to effortlessly switch languages.
14. Monoglots may feel isolated when surrounded by diverse linguistic communities.
15. The business world increasingly values employees who aren't monoglots.
16. Monoglots can find learning a new language a daunting but rewarding journey.
17. The world becomes more accessible to polyglots compared to monoglots.
18. Traveling exposed him to the limitations of being a monoglot.
19. Becoming bilingual is a personal and professional goal for many monoglots.
20. Language diversity enriches societies in ways that monoglots may not fully grasp.
21. Monoglots can benefit greatly from language immersion programs.
22. The conference attracted both polyglots and monoglots seeking to connect.
23. Monoglots often envy those who can effortlessly switch between languages.
24. The diplomat's multilingual fluency impressed even seasoned monoglots.
25. Learning a second language can open doors and broaden horizons for monoglots.
26. Despite being a monoglot, her enthusiasm for learning languages was boundless.