What does "monograph" mean?
A scholarly book or a treatise on a single subject or a group of related subjects; especially, such a document that is written by one person.
Monograph
noun, verb
noun, verb ·3 syllables ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A scholarly book or a treatise on a single subject or a group of related subjects; especially, such a document that is written by one person.
- Grammar: monograph is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: academic history book, apercu, art study, article.
- Useful contrasts: economic history anthology, literary society journal, multi volume world histories.
- Usage evidence: I have made a special study of cigar ashes—in fact, I have written a monograph upon the subject. I flatter myself that I can distinguish at a glance the ash of any known brand either of cigar or of tobacco.
How to use "monograph"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "monograph" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "monograph" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "monograph" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "monograph" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "academic history book" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A scholarly book or a treatise on a single subject or a group of related subjects; especially, such a document that is written by one person.
"It may still be years before we see, what we all look forward to, the great and final book on Knossos. Meanwhile learned monographs on different sections of the subject have been fast accumulating. They form the principal contents of six successive Annuals of the British School at Athens, and a not inconsiderable portion of the six corresponding volumes of The Journal of Hellenic Studies."
- 2 a detailed and documented treatise on a particular subject wordnet
- 3 A nonserial (nonperiodical) publication: a one-time publication. archaic
- 4 A single letter, especially one which represents a phoneme by itself. uncommon
Verb
- 1 To write a monograph on (a subject). transitive
"It is among the most studied, monographed, celebrated and sent-up works of modern art, and perhaps as influential as any from the last century."
- 2 Of the FDA: to publish a standard that authorizes the use of (a substance). US, transitive
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
economic history anthologyliterary society journalmulti volume world historiesregional history journal
Example
"I have made a special study of cigar ashes—in fact, I have written a monograph upon the subject. I flatter myself that I can distinguish at a glance the ash of any known brand either of cigar or of tobacco."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "monograph"?
Common synonyms include: academic history book, apercu, art study, article, book, causerie.
How do you use "monograph" in a sentence?
I have made a special study of cigar ashes—in fact, I have written a monograph upon the subject. I flatter myself that I can distinguish at a glance the ash of any known brand either of cigar or of tobacco.
Etymology
From mono- (“one”) + -graph (“write”).