soliloquy
Definitions
A speech in which a character voices their inner thoughts aloud, as if alone.
独白（戏剧中角色吐露内心的台词）
The act of talking to oneself.
自言自语
Root Breakdown
Loanwordsōlus (alone) + loquī (to speak) = 'speaking alone.' In a play, a character delivers a soliloquy when they speak their private thoughts aloud with no one else meant to hear — the audience simply overhears. The loqu root also gives eloquent, loquacious, and colloquial.
Root sol still carries 22 more wordsWhy It Means This
A soliloquy is the dramatic trick of letting the audience inside a character's head. Because the speaker is (or believes themselves) alone, they speak with total honesty — Hamlet's 'To be or not to be' is the classic case. Don't confuse it with a monologue: a monologue is a long speech delivered to others who can hear it; a soliloquy is spoken to oneself.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Hamlet's famous soliloquy begins, 'To be or not to be.'
- 2.
In the soliloquy, she reveals her secret doubts to the audience.
- 3.
He muttered a soliloquy as he paced the empty room.
Easily Confused
soliloquy vs monologue — A soliloquy is spoken alone, to oneself (others overhear); a monologue is a long speech addressed to other people who are present and listening. Hamlet's 'To be or not to be' is a soliloquy; a stand-up comedian's routine is a monologue.