How to Pronounce “monologue”

American (US)

/ˈmɑnəˌlɔɡ/

British (UK)

/ˈmɒnəlɒɡ/

noun — A long speech by one person in a play; sometimes a soliloquy; other times spoken to other characters.

The final e is silent. The transcription /ˈmɑnəˌlɔɡ/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “monologue” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “monologue” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈmɑnəˌlɔɡ/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈmɑnəˌlɔɡ/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "monologue" mean?

monologue (noun): A long speech by one person in a play; sometimes a soliloquy; other times spoken to other characters.

How do you pronounce "monologue" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˈmɑnəˌlɔɡ/. British English: /ˈmɒnəlɒɡ/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "monologue"?

/ˈmɑnəˌlɔɡ/ in American English, /ˈmɒnəlɒɡ/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "monologue"?

“monologue” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈmɑnəˌlɔɡ/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.