Word
dialectic
Phoneticsdia·lec·tic
US/ˌdaɪəˈɫɛktɪk/
UK/daɪəlˈɛktɪk/
Definitions
01logical reasoning
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic
n. a method of reasoning where you compare two different ideas to find a better understanding.
n. a formal system of reasoning that arrives at a truth through the exchange of logical arguments and the resolution of contradictions.
“The professor explained the dialectic between freedom and security in modern society.”
“Socratic dialectic involves a series of questions designed to expose the contradictions in an opponent's initial assumptions.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'between' to describe the relationship of two opposing concepts.
Synonyms
02interaction of opposing forces
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Academic · Formal
n. the way two opposite things affect each other and cause change.
n. the existence or action of opposing social or intellectual forces, especially as a determining factor in their interaction.
“There is a constant dialectic between tradition and progress in this city.”
“Marxist theory views history as a dialectic driven by the struggle between different economic classes.”
Teaching tip
In this sense, it is often used to describe a process of change rather than just a style of talking.
03relating to logical argument
C1 · Advanced Academic · Formal
adj. relating to the process of using logical arguments to find the truth.
adj. relating to or utilizing the method of dialectic; synonymous with 'dialectical'.
“The author uses a dialectic approach to examine the history of the war.”
“The essay provides a dialectic analysis of the relationship between individual agency and social structure.”
Synonyms
Etymology
From Old French dialectique, from Late Latin dialectica, from Ancient Greek διαλεκτική (dialektikḗ, “the art of argument through interactive questioning and answering”), from διαλεκτικός (dialektikós, “relating to dialogue”), from διαλέγομαι (dialégomai, “to participate in a dialogue”), from διά (diá, “through, across”) + λέγειν (légein, “to speak”).
From Latin dialecticus, from Ancient Greek δῐᾰλεκτῐκός (dĭălektĭkós).
From dialect + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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