Which word means an act of speaking while alone?

• A. Soliloquy
• B. Monologue
• C. Oration
• D. Speech

Answer: (A)

When a speaker is alone and sharing thoughts aloud, the word that fits is soliloquy. A soliloquy is a speech given by a character who is by themselves on stage (or otherwise not addressing anyone present) and is meant to reveal their private thoughts and inner reflections. It’s all about thinking out loud for the audience, not for other characters to respond to in the moment.

This differs from a monologue, which is a long speech by one person but can occur even if others are nearby or present in the scene; it doesn’t necessarily convey inner, solitary thoughts. An oration or a speech is a formal public address to an audience and isn’t about revealing private musings while alone. A classic example is a character pouring out their private concerns in a soliloquy, letting the audience hear what’s going on inside without other characters participating.