monotonically
monotonically Lexical Profile
monotonically Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
In a manner that only increases or only decreases as the independent variable increases, never reversing direction (of a mathematical function, sequence, or physical quantity).
"As the temperature of the gas rises, its pressure increases monotonically within the sealed chamber."
In a flat, unvarying vocal pitch or tone without inflection; monotonously.
"The automated voice read the station announcements monotonically over the loudspeaker."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'monotonically' (typically used in mathematics and science to describe a value that changes in only one direction without reversing) with 'monotonously' (used in everyday contexts to mean tediously, repetitively, or in a flat, unvarying vocal tone).
• Rhymes for monotonically
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed from the adjective 'monotonic' plus the adverbial suffix '-ally', ultimately deriving from Ancient Greek 'monotonos' (of one tone), from 'monos' (single, alone) and 'tonos' (tone, pitch, or tension).