What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
monosyllabic
Example
The word 'cat' is monosyllabic. [monosyllabic: adjective]
Example
He gave a monosyllabic response to the question. [monosyllabic: adjective]
Example
The author's writing style is characterized by monosyllabic words. [monosyllabic: adjective]
terse
Example
His email was terse but informative. [terse: adjective]
Example
She gave a terse explanation of the problem. [terse: adjective]
Example
The boss's instructions were always terse and clear. [terse: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Terse is more commonly used than monosyllabic in everyday language. Terse is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while monosyllabic is less common and refers specifically to words with one syllable.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between monosyllabic and terse?
Both monosyllabic and terse can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, terse is generally more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels, while monosyllabic may be more associated with casual or technical language.
