dialogue

Language: en

🇬🇧 /ˈdaɪəˌlɒg/ 🇺🇸 /ˈdaɪəˌlɔg/

📖 Definitions

  1. noun
    A conversation between two or more people, especially in a book, play, or film.; A formal discussion or exchange of views between two or more parties, especially between governments or organizations, aimed at reaching an agreement or resolving a dispute.; A literary or philosophical work written in the form of a conversation between two or more characters.; The spoken words or lines in a film, play, or other dramatic work.; An exchange of ideas or opinions on a particular issue, especially one that is open and constructive.
  2. verb
    To engage in a dialogue or formal discussion with someone.; To express or convey through dialogue.
  3. noun
    In computing, a dialog box; a window that appears on a screen to request information from or provide information to the user.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable Plural: dialogues 3rd sing.: dialogues Past: dialogued Past part.: dialogued Pres part.: dialoguing

Collocations

open a dialogueengage in dialogueconstructive dialogueinterfaith dialoguedialogue boxpolitical dialogueenter into dialogue

Derivatives

dialogicdialogicaldialogicallydialogistdialogism

Synonyms

conversationdiscussiondiscourseexchangecommunicationcolloquy

Antonyms

monologuesilence

Commonly confused

dialog
EN: 'Dialog' is the American English spelling variant, especially common in computing ('dialog box'); 'dialogue' is the standard British and formal spelling.
monologue
EN: 'Monologue' is a speech by one person; 'dialogue' involves two or more participants exchanging ideas.
discourse
EN: 'Discourse' is broader, referring to any extended treatment of a topic in speech or writing; 'dialogue' specifically implies interactive exchange between parties.

Spelling tips

EN: The '-ue' ending is often dropped in American English ('dialog'), particularly in technical/computing contexts. In formal and British English, retain the full spelling 'dialogue'.

💬 Examples

  1. The dialogue between the two characters was witty and engaging.

  2. The two nations resumed dialogue after years of diplomatic silence.

  3. Plato's dialogues remain foundational texts in Western philosophy.

  4. The actor struggled to memorize his dialogue for the opening scene.

  5. The conference encouraged dialogue between scientists and policymakers.

  6. The community leaders agreed to dialogue with the protesters to find common ground.

  7. The playwright dialogued the conflict between tradition and modernity through the two main characters.

  8. A dialogue box appeared asking if I wanted to save my changes before closing the document.