What does "dialogue" mean?

1. (conversation) a conversation between two or more people. 2. (scripted speech) the words that characters speak in a book, play, or film. 3. (formal negotiation) formal talks between groups or countries to solve a problem. 4. (computing window) a small window on a computer screen that asks you for information. 5. (to discuss) to talk with someone to reach an agreement or understanding.

How do you use "dialogue"?

Often spelled 'dialog' in American English and computing contexts. Often used in business or academic contexts as an intransitive verb.

dialogue

n. · v.

US //ˈdaɪəˌɫɔɡ// UK //dˈaɪəlɒɡ// di·a·logue

1 conversation (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a conversation between two or more people.

an exchange of ideas or opinions between two or more people; a conversation.

Example

The two friends sat in the park and had a long dialogue about their future plans.

Example

The workshop was designed to foster an open dialogue between the management and the staff regarding the new office policies.
- monologue
2 scripted speech (n.)
B1 Intermediate Theatre

the words that characters speak in a book, play, or film.

the spoken parts of a dramatic or literary work, as opposed to the description or action.

Example

The movie was beautiful, but some of the dialogue felt a bit unnatural.

Example

Critics praised the playwright for her sharp, witty dialogue that perfectly captured the rhythm of modern urban life.
- script
- lines

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3 formal negotiation (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

formal talks between groups or countries to solve a problem.

a formal discussion between groups or nations intended to resolve a conflict or reach an agreement.

Example

The two countries have finally started a dialogue to end the border dispute.

Example

The international community called for a sustained political dialogue to address the underlying causes of the civil unrest.
4 computing window (n.)
B1 Intermediate Computing

a small window on a computer screen that asks you for information.

a window that appears on a computer screen to present information or request input from the user.

Example

A dialogue appeared on the screen asking me to save my changes before closing.

Example

The application displays a dialogue requiring the user to confirm the deletion of the selected files.

Usage

Often spelled 'dialog' in American English and computing contexts.
- dialog box
- pop up
5 to discuss (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal Academic

to talk with someone to reach an agreement or understanding.

to engage in a formal or structured conversation with the aim of reaching a mutual understanding.

Example

The leaders need to dialogue more effectively to solve this crisis.

Example

The committee spent the afternoon dialoguing with local stakeholders to ensure the project met the community's needs.

Usage

Often used in business or academic contexts as an intransitive verb.

Origin

Inherited from Middle English dialog, from Old French dialoge (French dialogue), from Late Latin dialogus, from Ancient Greek διάλογος (diálogos, “conversation, discourse”), from διά (diá, “through, inter”) + λόγος (lógos, “speech, oration, discourse”), from διαλέγομαι (dialégomai, “to converse”), from διά (diá) + λέγειν (légein, “to speak”), equivalent to dia- (“between”) + -logue. Also analyzable as di- (“two”) + -alogue.