monoliths

[/ˈmɑːnəlɪθs/]
nounpl: monoliths
monolitos
1. large single blocks of stone, often used in ancient monuments or structures
The monoliths of Stonehenge have puzzled archaeologists for centuries.
Os monolitos de Stonehenge intrigaram arqueólogos por séculos.
2. large, unified, impersonal organizations or systems that are difficult to change or challenge
The tech company is accused of being one of the monoliths controlling the internet.
A empresa de tecnologia é acusada de ser um dos monolitos que controlam a internet.
3. a single unified whole; something regarded as a single indivisible unit
The government is not a monolith; it has many competing interests.
O governo não é um monolito; tem muitos interesses em competição.
In Brazilian and American English, 'monoliths' is frequently used metaphorically to criticize large corporations, governments, or institutions perceived as unresponsive and impersonal. Archaeological references to monoliths (like those in pre-Columbian cultures) carry significant cultural weight in Latin American contexts.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
blocksstonesmonumentsstructuresentities
Antonyms / Antônimos
fragmentsdivisionssubdivisionspartscomponents

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
monolitos
Standard translation used across Brazil in archaeological and figurative contexts
Rio de Janeiro
monolitos
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
monolitos
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese; commonly used in business and tech criticism
Portugal
monolitos
Identical term; used in both literal and metaphorical contexts

Related Words

monolithicmonolithmegalithstonemonument

Related Idioms & Phrases

break the monolith
a monolith of power
carved in monolith
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