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

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

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

The UN Human Rights Council's regional representative Jan Jarab called for an "urgent dialogue" after the acts of violence and a probe into the death and injuries.

From BBC

"Until quite recently, I hadn't managed to throw off the memory of children who needed to be gently coaxed through their dialogue in a big scary film studio."

From BBC

They cited Iran's failure to "take the necessary actions to address our concerns, nor to meet our asks on extension, despite extensive dialogue".

From BBC

Despite taking some liberties, Fennell said she had retained much of Brontë's original dialogue.

From BBC

To really settle in and do a long dialogue scene, that must have felt like doing a play in the middle of the movie.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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