# dialogue

/ˈdaɪəˌɫɔɡ/ (US) · /dˈaɪəlɒɡ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dialogue
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. conversation

noun · CEFR B1

a conversation between two or more people.

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

- The two friends sat in the park and had a long dialogue about their future plans.
- The workshop was designed to foster an open dialogue between the management and the staff regarding the new office policies.

### 2. scripted speech

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The movie was beautiful, but some of the dialogue felt a bit unnatural.
- Critics praised the playwright for her sharp, witty dialogue that perfectly captured the rhythm of modern urban life.

### 3. formal negotiation

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

formal talks between groups or countries to solve a problem.

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

- The two countries have finally started a dialogue to end the border dispute.
- The international community called for a sustained political dialogue to address the underlying causes of the civil unrest.

### 4. computing window

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

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

### 5. to discuss

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal · Academic

to talk with someone to reach an agreement or understanding.

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

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

## Examples

- The movie has very funny dialogue.
- The two countries are finally entering into a dialogue to discuss the border dispute after years of silence.
- While the script's plot was somewhat predictable, the sharp and witty dialogue between the protagonists elevated the film to a higher critical standing.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.