Word
monochromatic
Phoneticsmonochro·mat·ic
US/ˌmɑnəkɹoʊˈmætɪk/
UK/mˌɒnəʊkɹəʊmˈætɪk/
Definition
adj. having only one color or a very limited range of colors. You use this to describe art, photos, or designs that are not bright or colorful.
adj. consisting of or using only one color or a narrow range of colors. Often used in artistic or photographic contexts to describe a lack of color variety.
Examples
“The artist painted a beautiful monochromatic landscape in shades of blue.”
“The photographer chose a monochromatic palette to emphasize the textures and shadows of the old stone walls.”
“While the initial sketches were vibrant and colorful, the final installation was strictly monochromatic, relying on subtle variations in gray to create a sense of depth and movement.”
Examples
simple
“The artist painted a beautiful monochromatic landscape in shades of blue.”
contextual
“The photographer chose a monochromatic palette to emphasize the textures and shadows of the old stone walls.”
complex
“While the initial sketches were vibrant and colorful, the final installation was strictly monochromatic, relying on subtle variations in gray to create a sense of depth and movement.”
Etymology
From mono- + chromatic, mono- from Ancient Greek μόνος (mónos, “alone, only, sole, single”), chromatic from Ancient Greek χρῶμα (khrôma, “color”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/monochromatic