monopoly
UK[məˈnɒpəli]US[məˈnɑːpəli]
n
the complete control of trade in particular goods or the supply of a particular service; a type of goods or a service that is controlled in this way
n
a company that has a monopoly
n
the complete control, possession, or use of something; something that belongs only to one person or group and that other people cannot share
Morpheme Breakdown
mono
poly
mono
one, single
poly
to sell
Etymology
the word monopoly entered english in the early 16th century via latin from the greek compound μονοπώλιον (monopōlion), which literally meant "the right of exclusive sale". this greek term was formed from μόνος (monos), meaning "alone", and πωλεῖν (pōlein), meaning "to sell". the concept originally referred to a legal grant by a state for the exclusive control of a commodity or trade. over time, the meaning expanded beyond commerce to signify any exclusive possession or control, reflecting the core idea embedded in its roots: a situation where only "one" entity does the "selling" or controlling.
Analysis
Structure: mono (one, single) + poly (to sell)
mono- is from greek μόνος (monos), meaning "alone, single, sole". -poly is from greek πωλεῖν (pōlein), meaning "to sell".
Examples
the government is determined to protect its tobacco monopoly.
in some countries, the state has a monopoly on broadcasting.
she doesn't have a monopoly on suffering—other people have problems too.