What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
monaural
Example
The monaural recording of the concert was not as immersive as the stereo version. [monaural: adjective]
Example
The radio station broadcasts in monaural, so the sound quality is not as good as the stereo stations. [monaural: adjective]
mono
Example
The old record player only had a mono output, so the sound was not as rich as modern systems. [mono: adjective]
Example
The band's early albums were recorded in mono, but later they switched to stereo. [mono: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mono is more commonly used than monaural in everyday language, especially in the context of music or audio equipment. Monaural is more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between monaural and mono?
Monaural is more formal-sounding than mono, and may be more appropriate in formal or technical writing. However, mono is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
