soliloquy
UK[səˈlɪl.ə.kwi]US[səˈlɪl.ə.kwi]
n
an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, especially in a play.
n
a part of a play involving a soliloquy.
Morpheme Breakdown
soli
loquy
soli
alone
loquy
speech
Etymology
the word 'soliloquy' is a modern english formation directly from late latin 'soliloquium', which itself was coined by st. augustine in the 5th century from the latin components 'solus' (alone) and 'loqui' (to speak). the term was created to describe the act of talking to oneself, a concept central to augustine's philosophical and theological introspection. entering english in the late middle ages, it was initially used in general contexts before becoming a specialized theatrical term for a character's speech delivered while alone on stage, revealing their inner thoughts to the audience. this evolution perfectly encapsulates the literal meaning of its parts: a speech made while alone.
Analysis
Structure: soli (alone) + loquy (speech)
soli - from latin 'solus' meaning 'alone, single'. loquy - from latin 'loqui' meaning 'to speak'.
Examples
hamlet's "to be or not to be" is the most famous soliloquy in english literature.
the playwright used a soliloquy to reveal the protagonist's secret motivations.
lost in thought, she muttered a quiet soliloquy about the day's events.