dialectic

American  

[dahy-uh-lek-tik] / ˌdaɪ əˈlɛk tɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of logical argumentation.

2. dialectal.

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noun

1. the art or practice of logical discussion as employed in investigating the truth of a theory or opinion.

2. logical argumentation.

3. Often dialectics.

   1. logic or any of its branches.

   2. any formal system of reasoning or thought.

4. Hegelian dialectic.

5. (often used with a singular verb) dialectics, the arguments or bases of dialectical materialism, including the elevation of matter over mind and a constantly changing reality with a material basis.

6. (in Kantian epistemology) a fallacious metaphysical system arising from the attribution of objective reality to the perceptions by the mind of external objects.

7. the juxtaposition or interaction of conflicting ideas, forces, etc.

dialectic British  

/ ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪk /

noun

1. disputation or debate, esp intended to resolve differences between two views rather than to establish one of them as true

2. philosophy

   1. the conversational Socratic method of argument

   2. (in Plato) the highest study, that of the Forms

3. (in the writings of Kant) the exposure of the contradictions implicit in applying empirical concepts beyond the limits of experience

4. philosophy the process of reconciliation of contradiction either of beliefs or in historical processes See also Hegelian dialectic dialectical materialism

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adjective

1. of or relating to logical disputation

Other Word Forms

• dialectically adverb
• dialectician noun
• nondialectic adjective

Etymology

Origin of dialectic

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English (from Anglo-French ), from Latin dialectica, from Greek dialektikḗ (téchnē) “argumentative (art),” feminine of dialektikós; dialect, -ic

Explanation

Dialectic is a formal system of reasoning that arrives at the truth through the exchange of logical arguments. Dialectic is a process of examining an issue using very careful steps. A "thesis," or argument, is offered, followed by the "antithesis," or counterargument. The goal is to extract the best points from each of these to form a "synthesis." This in turn is used as a new argument, followed by counterargument, and the process continues, hopefully getting closer and closer to the truth, or at least something everyone can agree upon.

Example Sentences

Through an artistic probing of form, perhaps reflective of his ancestors’ Talmudic dialectic, he questioned traditional pieties and challenged an existing order.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

How did you create the narrative since you imagined this as a dialectic film?

From Salon • Sep. 6, 2024

Their fascinatingly mercurial relationship lends the movie what structure it has, establishing a kind of combative dialectic between Napoleon’s personal and professional battles.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2023

“This year’s recipients reflect the inevitable dialectic between individual creativity and community in the life of the arts.”

From Seattle Times • Mar. 16, 2023

Zeno put it like this: “Rhetoric is an open palm; dialectic a closed fist.”

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith