English Reference
Adjective

monochrome

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈmɑnəˌkɹoʊm/ UK /mˈɒnəʊkɹˌəʊm/ mono·chrome UK spelling monochromes Photography

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.


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.


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.

This entry
Origin Ancient Greek μονόχρωμος
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated