Word
dialectical
Phoneticsdi·alec·ti·cal
US/ˌdaɪəˈɫɛktɪkəɫ/
UK/daɪəlˈɛktɪkəl/
Definition
adj. describing the way two opposing ideas or forces interact to create something new. It is often used to talk about how history or logic moves forward through conflict.
adj. relating to the logical discussion of ideas and opinions, specifically the process of resolving contradictions between opposing forces to reach a higher truth. Often associated with Hegelian or Marxist philosophy.
Examples
“The book explores the dialectical relationship between nature and culture.”
“The professor argued that history is a dialectical process where every social movement eventually creates its own opposition.”
“In this framework, the dialectical tension between individual liberty and collective security is never fully resolved, but rather evolves into new forms of governance.”
Examples
simple
“The book explores the dialectical relationship between nature and culture.”
contextual
“The professor argued that history is a dialectical process where every social movement eventually creates its own opposition.”
complex
“In this framework, the dialectical tension between individual liberty and collective security is never fully resolved, but rather evolves into new forms of governance.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “dialectical” in context.
Verb
01. adopt dialectical
“The researchers decided to adopt a dialectical approach to the study.”
verb + adj
02. dialectical involve
“The dialectical process involves the tension between two opposing forces.”
adj + verb
03. employ dialectical
“Philosophers often employ dialectical methods to resolve contradictions.”
verb + adj
Adjective
04. purely dialectical
“The argument remained purely dialectical, lacking any empirical evidence.”
adv + adj
05. strictly dialectical
“He approached the problem from a strictly dialectical perspective.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. dialectical materialism
“Marxist theory is heavily based on the principles of dialectical materialism.”
adj + noun
07. dialectical reasoning
“Students are encouraged to use dialectical reasoning to analyze the text.”
adj + noun
08. dialectical relationship
“There is a dialectical relationship between the individual and society.”
adj + noun
09. dialectical tension
“The play explores the dialectical tension between tradition and progress.”
adj + noun
10. a dialectical synthesis of
“The new theory represents a dialectical synthesis of opposing viewpoints.”
11. in a dialectical fashion
“The two concepts interact in a dialectical fashion, each shaping the other.”
Usage
Typically used in academic, philosophical, or political contexts; often appears before nouns like 'process', 'relationship', or 'method'.
Real-World Examples
“The study, “ The Dialectical Self Around the World: A Meta-Analysis of Country-Level Means,” found that dialectical thinking — the acceptance, for example, that a person can be happy and sad at the same time — varies across cultures.” “Dialectical thought is characterized by an awareness that seemingly contradictory concepts like value and fact or subject and object are intertwined, as is the relationship between singular objects, events, and facts and the historical and cultural contexts within which they are situated.” Etymology
From the Latin term dialecticus and the suffix -al. By surface analysis, the word is formed from dialectic + -al or dialect + -ical.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domain
- 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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