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)

dialogued, dialoguing 

1. to carry on a dialogue; converse.

2. to discuss areas of disagreement frankly in order to resolve them.

verb (used with object)

dialogued, dialoguing 

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

Other Word Forms

• dialogic adjective
• dialoguer noun
• self-dialog noun
• self-dialogue noun
• underdialogue 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

But listening to everything the puppets say is paramount, as clues are often hidden in dialogue.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Treasury Secretary Bessent expressed hope for continued dialogue with Chinese officials, though he also warned that “all options are open” in response to China’s export curbs on rare earths, NAB’s Rodrigo Catril says in commentary.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"Despite our differences on several issues, Norway wishes to keep the dialogue open with Venezuela and will continue to work in this direction," a ministry spokeswoman said.

Read more on BBC

"The desire for peace and dialogue expressed by the US president is at odds with the hostile and criminal behaviour of the United States towards the Iranian people," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Read more on Barron's

"There were no real negotiations. The government just used the word 'negotiation' to give the impression to the general public that they were holding a dialogue," Allama Irfan, a senior member of TLP told AFP.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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