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

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

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

When Winslet allows the dam surrounding Mare’s despair to crack a little, frosting the blank spaces between lines of dialogue with pure aching emotion, tearing your eyes away is impossible.

From Salon

He concluded that any response from the government to his review "must be rooted in sustained dialogue with all communities and stakeholders, and reflect a genuine commitment to shared governance".

From BBC

He established an open dialogue with the public and was mindful of the needs of the community, “especially in support of his beloved Milan,” the team said.

From Los Angeles Times

He accused the company of "unilaterally, regularly, and conveniently" misinterpreting the union's terms and conditions, but said the union was "open to any dialogue to resolve this situation".

From BBC

"Major international sporting events embody a spirit of unity and dialogue, transcending differences and divisions," said a statement from world cycling's governing body.

From BBC

Related Words

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