dialectical

[ dahy-uh-lek-ti-kuhl ]

adjective

1. dialectic.
2. of or characteristic of a dialect; dialectal.

dialectical

/ ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪkəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to dialectic or dialectics

Usage Note

See dialectal.

Derived Forms

• ˌdiaˈlectically, adverb

Other Words From

• nondi·a·lecti·cal adjective
• nondi·a·lecti·cal·ly adverb
• undi·a·lecti·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dialectical¹

First recorded in 1520–30; dialectic + -al ¹

Example Sentences

In my own life, I find myself thinking about the philosophy underpinning dialectical behavior therapy, an approach designed for the most challenging situations and intense emotions: learning to simultaneously wholeheartedly accept and change.

From Los Angeles Times

Akhtar reanimates this dialectical discussion of artistic freedom in the fraught context of AI.

From Los Angeles Times

The first line of treatment for borderline personality disorder is dialectical behavioral therapy, a talk therapy centered on examining and countering negative emotions.

From Slate

After that, Nelson began dialectical behavioral therapy and credits it with a turnaround.

From Slate

Byrne, playing opposite himself, brings these sides of Beckett’s consciousness to dialectical life.

From Los Angeles Times