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Word of the Day

Thursday, January 16, 2025

soliloquy

/səˈliləkwē/noun

An act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when alone or regardless of hearers, especially by a character in a play.

Etymology

From Late Latin "soliloquium," from Latin "solus" (alone) + "loqui" (to speak). Literally means "speaking alone."

Usage Examples

  1. "Hamlet's soliloquy 'To be or not to be' is one of the most famous speeches in literature."

  2. "Lost in thought, she launched into a soliloquy about the meaning of life."

  3. "The playwright used soliloquies to reveal the character's inner turmoil."

Synonyms

  • Monologue
  • Aside (theatrical)
  • Self-talk
  • Internal dialogue (when silent)

Fun Facts

  • Shakespeare was a master of the soliloquy, using them to reveal characters' true thoughts.
  • Unlike a monologue, a soliloquy is typically delivered when the character believes they're alone.
  • Modern films often replace soliloquies with voice-over narration.

Related Terms

  • Monologue: A long speech by one person
  • Aside: A remark made by a character in a play that's heard by audience but not other characters
  • Rumination: Deep or considered thought about something
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