interlocutor
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
A person who takes part in a conversation or dialogue.
A participant in a dialogue or formal discussion; also, someone who acts as a mediator or go-between in a conversation or negotiation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word implies active, reciprocal participation in dialogue rather than passive listening. Often used in formal, academic, diplomatic, or legal contexts to denote a serious participant in discourse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British academic and legal writing, but the difference is marginal.
Frequency
Low-frequency formal term in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
interlocutor of [someone]interlocutor for [an organization]interlocutor in [a discussion/debate]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific word]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in negotiations: 'Our chief interlocutor from the other firm clarified their position.'
Academic
Common in linguistics, philosophy, and discourse analysis: 'The philosopher's interlocutor raised a compelling objection.'
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; would sound overly formal.
Technical
Used in diplomacy, law, and formal mediation processes.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [No direct verb form in common use]
American English
- [No direct verb form in common use]
adverb
British English
- [No common adverb form]
American English
- [No common adverb form]
adjective
British English
- interlocutory (legal: provisional or interim order)
American English
- interlocutory (pertaining to dialogue or a legal ruling)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- [Too advanced for A2 level]
- I discussed the project with my interlocutor for over an hour.
- She was a polite and attentive interlocutor.
- The diplomat served as the main interlocutor between the two conflicting parties.
- In the debate, each interlocutor had five minutes to present their initial argument.
- The philosopher's primary interlocutor in the text is a sceptic who challenges every assumption.
- The judge issued an interlocutory injunction while the main case was being prepared.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of INTER (between) + LOCUTOR (speaker) = a speaker *between* others, engaged in conversation.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONVERSATION IS A JOURNEY (where interlocutors are fellow travellers), ARGUMENT IS WAR (where interlocutors are opponents).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'собеседник' (which is more everyday); 'интерлокутор' is a direct borrowing but sounds highly formal and foreign in Russian.
- In English, it is strictly about dialogue participation, not just any 'speaker' ('оратор').
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean simply 'speaker' or 'lecturer' (it requires a dialogic context).
- Misspelling as 'interlocuter'.
- Using it in informal contexts where 'person I was talking to' would be natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'interlocutor' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal, low-frequency word used primarily in academic, legal, diplomatic, and philosophical contexts.
No, not typically. An interlocutor must be engaged in a dialogue or two-way conversation, not a monologue.
A 'speaker' can address an audience without dialogue. An 'interlocutor' specifically participates in an exchange of speech with another person or persons.
Not in common use. The related verb 'interlocute' is extremely rare and non-standard. The adjective 'interlocutory' is used in legal contexts.