dialectical

American  

[dahy-uh-lek-ti-kuhl] / ˌdaɪ əˈlɛk tɪ kəl /

adjective

1. dialectic.

2. of or characteristic of a dialect; dialectal.

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dialectical British  

/ ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪkəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to dialectic or dialectics

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Usage

See dialectal.

Other Word Forms

• dialectically adverb
• nondialectical adjective
• nondialectically adverb
• undialectical adjective

Etymology

Origin of dialectical

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

Explanation

Dialectical describes how someone goes about finding the truth. If you're an investigative journalist, you probably use dialectical reasoning. You might think dialectical refers to how people speak in a certain region or in a specific group, such as a regional accent. That version of dialect comes from the Greek word dialektos, meaning "discourse, way of speaking." But dialectical instead comes from the French word dialecte, meaning "denoting the art of investigating the truth of opinions." It has to do with a method of reasoning used to determine the truth.

Example Sentences

"I've tried antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, benzos, sleeping pills and stimulants, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy... tai chi, reiki, meditation, veganism, art therapy and music therapy," the former stand-up comedian said.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

That was not, in Hobsbawm’s analysis, a straight-up clash between good and evil or enlightenment and darkness; he was a non-dogmatic Marxist, always attuned to the nuanced dialectical relationship between historical forces.

From Salon • Dec. 7, 2025

For two weeks, she participated in dialectical behavior therapy, a form of talk therapy in which patients learn and practice skills, such as mindfulness, to manage intense feelings.

From Slate • Sep. 15, 2025

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 • Oct. 31, 2024

A friend once asked me how I could reconcile my creed of African nationalism with a belief in dialectical materialism.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela