What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
monody
Example
The singer performed a monody in memory of her late father. [monody: noun]
Example
The actor delivered a monody to express his character's sadness and despair. [monody: noun]
elegy
Example
The poet wrote an elegy for his friend who passed away last year. [elegy: noun]
Example
The novel's final chapter is an elegy to the protagonist's deceased wife. [elegy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Elegy is more commonly used than monody in everyday language. Elegy is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while monody is less common and refers to a specific type of musical or literary composition.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between monody and elegy?
While monody is typically associated with a more informal or personal tone, elegy can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be employed in various formality levels.
