monosentential

Monosentential is an adjective used to describe a text, utterance, or discourse unit that consists of a single sentence. It is applicable to prose, poetry, or speech and is often invoked in discussions of style, economy of expression, and rhetorical constraint. A monosentential statement conveys a complete thought in one syntactic unit, regardless of length or complexity.

Etymology and relationship: The term combines the prefix mono- meaning “one” with a root related to sentence or sententia. It is a coined term rather than a long-established technical term, and is not widely standardized in linguistics. It should not be confused with monosyllabic, which describes words of a single syllable.

Usage and examples: In writing exercises, a monosentential constraint challenges the author to express meaning within a single sentence. In literary criticism, the device may be cited to discuss concision, punch, or structural economy. Example: “Time ran out, and so did our chances.” Another example: “The plan failed, but we learned.” These illustrate how a single sentence can carry a complete idea and emotional effect.

Limitations and notes: The term may be encountered mainly in modern or creative contexts; its exact scope can vary by author. It does not imply any particular mood or genre, beyond the single-sentence form.