dialogue
dialogue Lexical Profile
dialogue Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A conversation between two or more people as a feature of a book, play, or film.
"The playwright is celebrated for writing sharp, naturalistic dialogue that reveals each character's motives."
A formal discussion or exchange of ideas between two groups, countries, or individuals, especially one directed toward resolving a problem or reaching an agreement.
"Both nations agreed to enter into a constructive dialogue to settle the trade dispute peacefully."
A literary or philosophical composition written in the form of a conversation between two or more speakers.
"Plato's 'Republic' is a famous philosophical dialogue that examines the nature of justice."
• verb
To take part in a conversation or formal discussion in order to exchange ideas or resolve a disagreement.
"The university administration promised to dialogue with student representatives before changing the campus policy."
Word Nuance & Usage
Because 'dia-' means 'across' rather than 'two,' a dialogue is not restricted to two speakers, unlike a 'duologue.' In American English, 'dialog' is a common variant spelling, especially for computing interfaces such as a 'dialog box.'
• Rhymes for dialogue
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French 'dialogue,' from Latin 'dialogus,' and ultimately from Ancient Greek 'dialogos' ('conversation'), formed from 'dia-' ('across, between') and 'legein' ('to speak').