monopolize

/məˈnɒpəlaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /məˈnɑːpəlaɪz/ (ame, ipa) · /mə-ˈnä-pə-ˌlīz/ (ame, mw)

monopolize — verb

  • monopolizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • monopolizeshe / she / it
  • monopolizedpast simple
  • monopolizing-ing form

1. to gain so much control of a market, service, or resource that others cannot com

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to gain so much control of a market, service, or resource that others cannot compete or influence it.

例句

One phone company monopolized internet service in the town for years.

monopolize + service area in business

Cheap imports never monopolized the market because local shops stayed strong.

monopolize the market

同義詞
  • dominate

    broader and can describe strong influence without total control

  • corner

    especially used for taking most of a market

  • control

    more neutral and not always exclusive

反義詞
  • share

    to let others have part of the market or resource

  • compete

    to operate alongside others instead of excluding them

文法句型

monopolize + market/industry/service

monopolize + resource/supply

用法筆記

Usually used about markets, services, or important resources in business or public life. Distinguish from sense 2: the object here is an area of trade or supply, not a person's attention.

常見錯誤

❌A few brands monopolized of the market.
✅A few brands monopolized the market.
💡monopolize is directly transitive and does not take 'of' before the thing controlled.

2. to take up most of a person's time or most of a discussion, leaving little chanc

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to take up most of a person's time or most of a discussion, leaving little chance for anyone else to join in.

例句

Rina monopolized the meeting with stories about her ski trip.

monopolize + meeting by talking too much

Please do not monopolize Beatrix during lunch; others need her help.

monopolize + person

同義詞
  • hog

    more informal and strongly suggests selfish behavior

  • dominate

    can describe controlling the flow of talk without keeping it entirely

  • take over

    less precise and can apply to many situations beyond conversation

反義詞
  • share

    to let others take part equally

  • include

    to make sure other people can join the activity

文法句型

monopolize + person

monopolize + conversation/meeting

用法筆記

The object is usually a person, meeting, or conversation. It often suggests selfish behavior that stops other people from speaking or getting time.

常見錯誤

❌He monopolized with the conversation all night.
✅He monopolized the conversation all night.
💡use monopolize directly with the person or conversation as its object.