monolithic
Definitions
Formed of a single massive block of stone
单块巨石的；整块石头的
Large, uniform, rigid, and resistant to change or internal variety
庞大而统一的；铁板一块的；难以改变的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedmono- (one) + lith (Greek lithos, 'stone') + -ic = 'made of one stone.' A monolith is a single huge block; figuratively, anything so massive and uniform it seems carved in one piece — a monolithic organization shows no cracks or factions.
Root lith still carries 3 more wordsWhy It Means This
The leap from literal to figurative is the whole story. A monolith is one solid block of stone with no joints or seams. When we call a company or a political bloc 'monolithic,' we borrow that image: it looks like one undivided mass, with no internal differences, factions, or flexibility. The word almost always carries a hint of criticism — too big, too uniform, too slow to change.
Common Collocations
- 1.monolithic structure整体结构
- 2.monolithic system单体系统
- 3.monolithic bloc铁板一块的集团
- 4.monolithic organization庞大统一的组织
Example Sentences
- 1.
The temple was carved from a single monolithic rock.
- 2.
Critics warned against treating the country as a monolithic bloc.
- 3.
They replaced the monolithic system with smaller services.