dialectic

American  

[dahy-uh-lek-tik] / ˌdaɪ əˈlɛk tɪk /

adjective

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

2. dialectal.

---

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

---

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

Example Sentences

There’s a kind of dialectic, dual track of braiding of hope and futility that runs all the way through the book.

From Salon

I saw the possibility of making a film that was dialectic, where words and speaking were at the center of the film.

From Salon

We grow up to discover there are names in every culture for that — yin and yang, the Apollonian and Dionysian, Vishnu and Shiva, thesis and antithesis, the law of contraries, the dialectic.

From New York Times

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

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

From Seattle Times