Here are some examples:
* "REcord" (verb) - to put something down in writing or on a device.
* "reCORD" (noun) - a written or digital account of something.
* "CONduct" (verb) - to direct or manage.
* "conDUCT" (noun) - the way someone behaves.
* "ObJECT" (noun) - a physical thing.
* "obJECT" (verb) - to disagree with something.
In these examples, the shift in stress from the first syllable to the second syllable completely alters the meaning of the word.
It's important to note that these are examples of homographs - words that are spelled the same but have different meanings. While stress is a key factor in differentiating their meanings, it's not the only one. Context plays a crucial role, as well.
For example, if you see the word "record" in a sentence like, "I need to record this interview," you would know it's the verb, even without the stress. Similarly, "He conducted a conDUCT investigation" suggests the word "conduct" is a noun due to the context.
So, to answer your question directly, stress can absolutely change the meaning of a monosyllabic word in English, but it's often just one of many factors that contribute to understanding the intended meaning.