soliloquy
suh-LIL-uh-kwee
/səˈlɪləkwi/
An act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when alone, especially by a character in a play.
A dramatic device used to reveal a character's innermost secrets, doubts, or plans directly to the audience, bypassing other characters.
The story behind the word. Coined by Saint Augustine in the 4th century, the word combines the Latin 'solus' (alone) and 'loqui' (to speak). Augustine used it to describe a private, internal dialogue between himself and his own reason.
Word relationships
- monologue: A 'monologue' is a long speech delivered by one person to others, whereas a 'soliloquy' is spoken alone to reveal inner thoughts.
- aside: An 'aside' is a brief remark made by a character to the audience, while a 'soliloquy' is an extended, deep speech.
- dialogue: A 'dialogue' is a conversation between two or more active characters.
Commonly confused with
- colloquy: A 'colloquy' is a formal conversation or conference, whereas a 'soliloquy' is spoken entirely alone.
Word family
- soliloquize (verb): To deliver a soliloquy.
Collocations
- deliver a soliloquy
- dramatic soliloquy
- famous soliloquy
Example sentences
- "A soliloquy is not a monologue; it is a confession to the cosmos, spoken in the absolute isolation of the stage." A philosophical definition of the dramatic device.
- "The play is famous for its opening soliloquy, which immediately establishes the protagonist's deep psychological conflict." Analyzing a famous play.
Memory hook
Think of 'solo' (alone) and 'loquacious' (talkative). You are talking to yourself solo. Speaking alone to the stars.
When not to use
Do not use if other characters on stage are actively listening to the speaker; that is a monologue.
Fun facts
- Shakespeare did not invent the soliloquy, but he revolutionized it by using it to show characters changing their minds in real-time, rather than just explaining the plot.
Related words
Explore more words
introspection, voiceover, introspective, solitude, self-reproach, confide
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