Monotonous

Adjective

Definition: Dull, tedious, and repetitious; lacking in variety and interest.

Synonyms: Boring, Repetitive, Tedious, Dull

Antonyms: Varied, Interesting, Exciting, Engaging

Examples:

The monotonous sound of the rain put him to sleep.
His job involves performing monotonous tasks day after day.

Mnemonics:

Think of "monotone" which refers to a monotonous voice lacking variation.

Etymology:

Origin:

Late 17th century from Greek 'monotonos' (consisting of one tone), from monos 'single' + tonos 'tone'.

Historical Usage:

The word has been used to describe things that lack variation or excitement since its inception.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"In a monotone"

Explanation:

Speaking in a monotonous, unvarying tone without intonation or emotion.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Assuming "monotonous" means always sad or negative.

Explanation:

While monotonous things can be uninteresting or dull, they are not necessarily negative or sad. Monotonous activities can also refer to neutral or even positive tasks that lack variation.