English Reference
noun · verb

dialogue

n. · v.
US /ˈdaɪəˌɫɔɡ/ UK /dˈaɪəlɒɡ/ di·a·logue UK spelling dialog, dialog's, dialogue's, dialogue's, dialogued, dialoguing

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.a conversation between two or more people.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The workshop was designed to foster an open dialogue between the management and the staff regarding the new office policies.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Theatre

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    n.formal talks between groups or countries to solve a problem.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The international community called for a sustained political dialogue to address the underlying causes of the civil unrest.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate Computing

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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 boxpop up
  5. 05 C1 Advanced FormalAcademic

    v.to talk with someone to reach an agreement or understanding.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.


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.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Ancient Greek διάλογος
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Common
Updated