dialogue

or di·a·log

[ dahy-uh-lawg, -log ]

noun

1. conversation between two or more persons.
2. the conversation between characters in a novel, drama, etc.
3. an exchange of ideas or opinions on a particular issue, especially a political or religious issue, with a view to reaching an amicable agreement or settlement.
4. a literary work in the form of a conversation:

   a dialogue of Plato.

verb (used without object)

, di·a·logued, di·a·logu·ing.

1. to carry on a dialogue; converse.
2. to discuss areas of disagreement frankly in order to resolve them.

verb (used with object)

, di·a·logued, di·a·logu·ing.

1. to put into the form of a dialogue.

dialogue

/ ˈdaɪəˌlɒɡ; ˌdaɪəˈlɒdʒɪk /

noun

1. conversation between two or more people
2. an exchange of opinions on a particular subject; discussion
3. the lines spoken by characters in drama or fiction
4. a particular passage of conversation in a literary or dramatic work
5. a literary composition in the form of a dialogue
6. a political discussion between representatives of two nations or groups

verb

1. tr to put into the form of a dialogue
2. intr to take part in a dialogue; converse

Derived Forms

• dialogic, adjective
• ˈdiaˌloguer, noun

Other Words From

• dia·loguer noun
• self-dia·log noun
• self-dia·logue noun
• under·dia·logue noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dialogue¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Old French dïalogue, Latin dialogus, from Greek diálogos; equivalent to dia- + -logue

Word History and Origins

Origin of dialogue¹

C13: from Old French dialoge, from Latin dialogus, from Greek dialogos, from dialegesthai to converse; see dialect

Example Sentences

Her initial dialogue sounds selected from prerecorded samples of a human voice — all Nyong’o’s acting, says Sanders, not an audio trick.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet there was dialogue, with several senior US officials making trips to Beijing.

From BBC

We need to “avoid surprises where possible and strengthen dialogue” and the UK would be more “predictable and consistent”.

From BBC

But whether or not this is How It Was, it’s easy enough to accept that it’s How It Might Have Been; the production and set pieces feel right, the dialogue is more speech than speeches.

From Los Angeles Times

"We remain committed to continued reforms and welcome constructive dialogue to address any legitimate concerns fairly and transparently," they added.

From BBC

Related Words

• communication
• conference
• conversation
• dialog
• discourse
• discussion
• exchange