A “soliloquy” is a type of speech or monologue delivered by a character in a play or literary work, typically when the character is alone or believes they are alone. This speech reveals the inner thoughts, emotions, or intentions of the character, often providing the audience with insight into their personal struggles, motivations, or conflicts. Soliloquies are most commonly associated with dramatic works, particularly in classical theater. The most famous example is Shakespeare’s “To be, or not to be” soliloquy in Hamlet, which expresses the protagonist’s contemplation of life and death. Soliloquies are distinct from dialogues or monologues meant for interaction with other characters, as they are self-contained expressions of inner thought.
10 Sentences Using “Soliloquy”:
- The actor delivered his soliloquy with such passion that the audience was captivated by every word.
- In the middle of the play, the protagonist steps forward to give a soliloquy that reveals his deepest fears.
- The soliloquy in Macbeth illustrates the character’s descent into madness and ambition.
- The soliloquy allowed the audience to hear the character’s inner turmoil, which was not shared with anyone else in the scene.
- His soliloquy was full of philosophical musings on life, making the play more introspective and thought-provoking.
- The soliloquy in the final act provided a powerful resolution to the character’s emotional journey.
- Many great playwrights, such as Shakespeare, used soliloquies to allow characters to express their innermost thoughts.
- The soliloquy helped the audience understand the complexity of the character’s moral struggle.
- The actress’s soliloquy was so poignant that it left the audience in silence long after she had finished speaking.
- The soliloquy was a pivotal moment in the play, revealing secrets that had been hidden until that point.
Synonyms of “Soliloquy”:
- Monologue
- Speech
- Address
- Discourse
- Oration
- Reflection
- Rhetoric
- Self-address
- Aside (in some contexts)
- Talk
Antonyms of “Soliloquy”:
- Dialogue
- Conversation
- Discussion
- Interaction
- Exchange
- Response
- Reply
- Chat
- Talk (with another person)
- Debate
Related Words:
- Monologue
- Drama
- Theater
- Play
- Character
- Expression
- Reflection
- Speech
- Oration
- Rhetoric
Related Expressions:
- “Talk to oneself” (to express thoughts aloud, similar to a soliloquy, though not in a theatrical context).
- “Voice one’s thoughts” (to express what one is thinking aloud, akin to delivering a soliloquy).
- “Speak one’s mind” (to openly express one’s thoughts or feelings, like a soliloquy, though it can involve others).
- “Reveal one’s inner thoughts” (a soliloquy often does this by giving voice to private feelings or plans).
- “Confide in oneself” (similar to a soliloquy, when someone expresses their private concerns aloud to themselves).
- “Put one’s heart on one’s sleeve” (to openly express one’s emotions or thoughts, as in a soliloquy).
- “A moment of introspection” (an internal reflection often articulated in a soliloquy).
- “Speaking from the heart” (expressing deep feelings, much like a soliloquy reveals a character’s core emotions).
- “Break the fourth wall” (to address the audience directly, sometimes mimicking a soliloquy).
- “Air one’s thoughts” (to publicly express one’s inner reflections, similar to a soliloquy).
Related Phrasal Verbs:
- “Speak out” (to express one’s thoughts or feelings, often in a way similar to a soliloquy).
- “Think aloud” (to verbalize one’s thoughts in a manner similar to a soliloquy).
- “Pour one’s heart out” (to express one’s deepest feelings openly, akin to the vulnerability in a soliloquy).
- “Let out” (to release thoughts or emotions that have been kept inside, much like a soliloquy).
- “Open up” (to share personal thoughts or feelings, comparable to delivering a soliloquy).
Related Idioms:
- “Speak one’s mind” (to freely express one’s inner thoughts, often in a manner like a soliloquy).
- “Wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve” (to openly express feelings, similar to the personal revelations in a soliloquy).
- “A brain dump” (when someone says everything they’re thinking, somewhat akin to a soliloquy).
- “Voice of reason” (a character in a play might deliver a soliloquy to act as a voice of reason).
- “Out of the mouth of babes” (referring to profound or honest statements that might resemble a soliloquy).
- “Break the silence” (to begin speaking aloud, often expressing inner thoughts, much like a soliloquy).
- “Call a spade a spade” (to speak openly and truthfully, akin to the candid nature of a soliloquy).
- “Speak from the heart” (to express genuine feelings in a manner akin to a soliloquy).
- “Sing one’s praises” (to openly express admiration, sometimes delivered in a style like a soliloquy).
- “Put one’s foot in one’s mouth” (to say something unwittingly or without considering others, like an unintended soliloquy).
