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dialogue

noun

  1. conversation between two or more people
L229936 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ˈdaɪəlɒɡ/ / /ˈdaɪəˌlɔɡ/ / /ˈdaɪəˌlɑɡ/

noun

Etymology: 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.

  1. A conversation or other form of discourse between two or more individuals.

    Melinda and Bill maintained a dialogue via email over the course of their long-distance relationship.

    Start up a dialogue

  2. In a dramatic or literary presentation, the verbal parts of the script or text; the verbalizations of the actors or characters.

    The movie had great special effects, but the dialogue was lackluster.

    In 1936, Anstey had co-directed Housing Problems, which featured direct dialogue recording - allowing the subjects of the film to speak for themselves. As Anstey said: "At the time nobody had done it, and we gave slum dwellers a chance to make their own films."

  3. A literary form, where the presentation resembles a conversation.

    A literary historian, she specialized in the dialogues of ancient Greek philosophers.

  4. Nonstandard form of dialog (“dialog box”).

    Once the My Computer dialogue opens, select Local Disk (C:), then right click and scroll down.

verb

Etymology: 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.

  1. To discuss or negotiate so that all parties can reach an understanding.

    Pearson wanted to dialogue with his overseas counterparts about the new reporting requirements.

  2. To put into dialogue form.
  3. To take part in a dialogue; to dialogize.

    Dost [thou] dialogue with thy shadow?