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dialogue

n. C / U
A1 Beginner Oxford US //ˈdaɪəˌɫɔɡ// UK //dˈaɪəlɒɡ// di·a·logue Archaic Dialect General-service Informal

n. a conversation between two or more people. It can also mean a formal discussion between groups or countries to solve a problem.

n. a conversation between two or more people as a feature of a book, play, or film; also used to describe a formal exchange of ideas or opinions between opposing groups.


SIMPLE

The movie has very funny dialogue.

CONTEXTUAL

The two countries are finally entering into a dialogue to discuss the border dispute after years of silence.

COMPLEX

While the script's plot was somewhat predictable, the sharp and witty dialogue between the protagonists elevated the film to a higher critical standing.

Synonyms
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.

Usage

Often used with the verbs 'enter into', 'open', or 'maintain'. In its countable sense, it refers to a specific conversation; in its uncountable sense, it refers to the general process of discussion.

Pitfall

They had a dialogue about the weather.They had a conversation about the weather.Dialogue usually implies a formal discussion or a scripted exchange in art; for casual daily talk, 'conversation' is the natural choice.

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