colloquy

[kol-uh-kwee]

noun

plural

colloquies 

1. a conversational exchange; dialogue.

2. a conference.

colloquy

/ ˈkɒləkwɪ /

noun

1. a formal conversation or conference

2. a literary work in dialogue form

3. an informal conference on religious or theological matters

Other Word Forms

• colloquist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of colloquy¹

1555–65; < Latin colloquium colloquium

Word History and Origins

Origin of colloquy¹

C16: from Latin colloquium from colloquī to talk with, from com- together + loquī to speak

Example Sentences

Mr. Biden used the word during an unscripted colloquy with Republicans during his State of the Union address on Thursday night, and then came under fire from immigration supporters who consider the term dehumanizing.

Read more on New York Times

The unintended effect, however, is of cramped twin biographies, when what we’re here for is a drawn-out colloquy in a tight space: Lewis’ gentle prodding of a rationalist’s edges versus Freud’s fulminating about God’s existence.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And in the second act, he has a crucial existential colloquy with Marianne, Rachel Bay Jones’ wealthy airhead, who reveals a surprising amount of depth in a philosophical back and forth with her uncertain confessor.

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Some of his dialogue scenes — including a riveting colloquy between the questing Marianne and the questioning bishop — have the shape, rhythm and sorrowful wit of a Sondheim song.

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The opening exchange is treated as cross-examination masquerading as comradely colloquy.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chitchat 
• parley