dialogue
B1Formal, Neutral, Literary
Definition
Meaning
A conversation between two or more people.
Conversation in a book, play, or film; a formal discussion between groups, especially those with different opinions, aimed at resolving a conflict.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In modern usage, 'dialogue' can refer to a constructive exchange of ideas at a societal or political level, not just a literal conversation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English prefers the spelling 'dialogue'. American English accepts both 'dialogue' and 'dialog', with 'dialog' being more common in computing contexts (e.g., dialog box).
Connotations
In both varieties, the word carries a formal or constructive connotation, more formal than 'talk' or 'chat'.
Frequency
The spelling 'dialogue' is significantly more common in British English. In American English, 'dialogue' remains standard for the conversational meaning.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Dialogue between X and YDialogue about/on/over ZEngage in/enter into/have a dialogue (with)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A dialogue of the deaf”
- “Open a dialogue”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for formal discussions between management and unions, or between companies (e.g., 'We need to start a dialogue with our stakeholders.').
Academic
Used in literary analysis for character conversation, or in social sciences for discussions between groups (e.g., 'The Socratic dialogue is a foundational philosophical form.').
Everyday
Used for any serious or constructive conversation (e.g., 'We had a dialogue about our future plans.').
Technical
In computing, 'dialog' (US spelling) refers to a window or box for user interaction.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The government pledged to dialogue with community leaders.
- We need to dialogue with our neighbours about the fence.
American English
- The committee will dialog with industry representatives.
- Managers should dialog directly with their teams.
adverb
British English
- The scene played out dialogue-intensively.
- The section is written dialogue-wise very well.
American English
- The meeting proceeded dialog-intensively.
- The character responded dialogue-smart.
adjective
British English
- She excelled in dialogue-heavy scenes.
- The play's dialogue-driven plot was captivating.
American English
- He prefers dialog-heavy screenplays.
- It was a dialogue-based approach to conflict resolution.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dialogue in the cartoon was easy to understand.
- They had a short dialogue about their homework.
- The film had funny dialogues between the main characters.
- The teacher encouraged dialogue among the students.
- The two leaders agreed to begin a dialogue to reduce tensions.
- The novel uses realistic dialogue to develop its characters.
- The interfaith dialogue aimed to foster greater mutual understanding and respect.
- Her thesis analyzed the philosophical dialogues of Plato.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'DIA' (across/between) + 'LOGUE' (speech). It's speech *between* people.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIALOGUE IS A BRIDGE (connecting two sides), DIALOGUE IS A JOURNEY (moving towards understanding).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating 'диалог' to refer to a casual chat; 'dialogue' is more formal. Avoid using 'dialogue' as a countable noun for a short exchange (e.g., 'We had three dialogues' is unnatural).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'dialogue' to mean any talk (too broad). Spelling it 'dialog' in British contexts. Using 'dialog' for the conversational meaning in AmE formal writing.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the spelling 'dialog' most commonly accepted in American English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Dialogue' implies a more formal, serious, or purposeful exchange, often between parties with differing views. 'Conversation' is more general and can be casual.
Yes, but primarily in American English and chiefly in computing contexts (e.g., 'dialog box'). For the conversational meaning, 'dialogue' is standard in British English and preferred in formal American English.
Yes (e.g., 'We must dialogue with them'), but this usage is sometimes considered jargonistic or business-speak and can sound unnatural in casual contexts. 'Talk' or 'discuss' is often better.
In British English: /ˈdaɪəlɒɡ/ (DYE-uh-log). In American English: /ˈdaɪəˌlɔːɡ/ (DYE-uh-lawg). The stress is always on the first syllable.
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Literary Language
C1 · 48 words · Vocabulary for reading and writing about literature.
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