What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
monotonous
Example
The assembly line work was monotonous and tiring. [monotonous: adjective]
Example
The lecture was so monotonous that I struggled to stay awake. [monotonous: adjective]
humdrum
Example
The daily commute can be quite humdrum. [humdrum: adjective]
Example
The movie was a humdrum retelling of a familiar story. [humdrum: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Monotonous is more commonly used than humdrum in everyday language, especially in formal contexts. Humdrum is less common and more informal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between monotonous and humdrum?
Monotonous is more formal than humdrum, which is more casual and colloquial. Both words can be used in various formality levels, but monotonous is more versatile in this regard.
