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

“They’re almost like John Milton questions to the creator,” the director says of the Creature’s dialogue.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Fitting for an artist who once put himself through the physical rigors of cosmonaut training, the show feels like a dialogue between opposing forces — boundlessness and constraint, presence and absence.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

With the camera on the dashboard, the vehicle becomes a surreptitious mobile set with Panahi and his co-stars mostly improvising their dialogue, some of it as cutting as anything intentional.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“We urge the U.S. to correct its wrong approach as early as possible and address relevant issues through dialogue and consultation on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit,” Lin’s post said.

Read more on Barron's

Weeks later, the EU launched a “strategic dialogue” with the automotive industry that led to a more flexible timetable for automakers to meet its emissions rules for 2025.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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