monody

[ mon-uh-dee ]

noun

, plural mon·o·dies.

1. a Greek ode sung by a single voice, as in a tragedy; lament.
2. a poem in which the poet or speaker laments another's death; threnody.
3. Music.
   1. a style of composition in which one part or melody predominates; homophony, as distinguished from polyphony.
   2. a piece in this style.
   3. monophony ( def 1 ).

monody

/ ˈmɒnədɪ; mɒˈnɒdɪk /

noun

1. (in Greek tragedy) an ode sung by a single actor
2. any poem of lament for someone's death
3. music a style of composition consisting of a single vocal part, usually with accompaniment

Derived Forms

• monodic, adjective
• ˈmonodist, noun
• moˈnodically, adverb

Other Words From

• mon·o·dist [mon, -, uh, -dist], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of monody¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Late Latin monōdia, from Greek monōidía “a solo, monody,” equivalent to monōid(ós) “singing alone” + -ia noun suffix; mon-, ode ) -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of monody¹

C17: via Late Latin from Greek monōidia, from mono- + aeidein to sing

Example Sentences

In my last communication on this subject, I forgot to remark on the strange title given to the monody on Mr. Browne.

From Project Gutenberg

The feature of this dramatic-musical novelty was its musica-parlante—a species of monody, or declamation, claimed to be la Grec.

From Project Gutenberg

The clavier by its very nature tended towards polyphony; the violin towards monody.

From Project Gutenberg

The chorus died; and we heard again the deep monody of the sea, like the admonitory voice of fate.

From Project Gutenberg

Milton's "Lycidas" is a monody on the death of the poet's friend, Edward King.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• elegy
• hymn