Definition
adj. using only one color or shades of just one color. You often use this to describe black-and-white photos or simple designs.
adj. consisting of or displayed in a single color or varying tones of a single hue. Often used to describe photography, cinematography, or digital displays that lack chromatic variety.
Examples
“The artist prefers to paint in monochrome tones.”
“The photographer chose a monochrome filter to emphasize the dramatic shadows and textures of the old building.”
“While modern audiences are accustomed to vibrant palettes, the director opted for a monochrome aesthetic to evoke the stark atmosphere of mid-century film noir.”
Examples
simple
“The artist prefers to paint in monochrome tones.”
contextual
“The photographer chose a monochrome filter to emphasize the dramatic shadows and textures of the old building.”
complex
“While modern audiences are accustomed to vibrant palettes, the director opted for a monochrome aesthetic to evoke the stark atmosphere of mid-century film noir.”
Usage
Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun; can also function as a noun referring to a single-color image.
Real-World Examples
“In her portrait, McIntyre captures the Nunamiut athlete Sean Uquqtuq in action with monochrome, hand-processed film that abstracts the landscape around him, focusing on his face and the movement of his body.” “After the brilliant pair of Ida and Cold War, Paweł Pawlikowski delivers a third stylish, monochrome movie reflecting on postwar life east of the Berlin Wall.” “The gadget’s little monochrome screen (the size of my two thumbnails, side by side) came to life, displaying a padlock icon.” Etymology
From Ancient Greek μονόχρωμος (monókhrōmos), from μόνος (mónos, “one”) + χρῶμα (khrôma, “color”); mono- + -chrome.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/monochrome
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0