What does "dialectic" mean?
Any formal system of reasoning that arrives at a truth by the exchange of logical arguments.
Dialectic
/ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪk/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Any formal system of reasoning that arrives at a truth by the exchange of logical arguments.
- Grammar: dialectic is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: a priori, airing, algebra of classes, algebra of relations.
- Useful contrasts: dogmatic stance, dogmatism, monologic stance.
- Usage evidence: In the same way as Hegel, Panovsky's notion of the dialectic makes history follow a predetermined course.
How to use "dialectic"
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Meaning check
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Source and review context
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Before you rely on this definition
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 Any formal system of reasoning that arrives at a truth by the exchange of logical arguments. countable, uncountable
- 2 any formal system of reasoning that arrives at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments wordnet
- 3 A contradiction of ideas that serves as the determining factor in their interaction. countable, uncountable
"This situation created the inner dialectic of American history."
- 4 a contradiction of ideas that serves as the determining factor in their interaction wordnet
- 5 development by way of overcoming internal contradictions Marxism, countable, uncountable
Adjective
- 1 Dialectical (of or relating to dialectic)
- 2 Dialectal (of or relating to a dialect).
"Is it [prodezza] a mere dialectic variation of prudenza,[…]?"
Adjective
- 1 of or relating to or employing dialectic wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"In the same way as Hegel, Panovsky's notion of the dialectic makes history follow a predetermined course."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "dialectic"?
Common synonyms include: a priori, airing, algebra of classes, algebra of relations, analysis, analytic.
How do you use "dialectic" in a sentence?
In the same way as Hegel, Panovsky's notion of the dialectic makes history follow a predetermined course.
How do you pronounce "dialectic"?
Pronounced /ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪk/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Old French dialectique, from Late Latin dialectica, from Ancient Greek διαλεκτική (dialektikḗ, “the art of argument through interactive questioning and answering”), from διαλεκτικός (dialektikós, “relating to dialogue”), from διαλέγομαι (dialégomai, “to participate in a dialogue”), from διά (diá, “through, across”) + λέγειν (légein, “to speak”).
Etymology 2
From Latin dialecticus, from Ancient Greek δῐᾰλεκτῐκός (dĭălektĭkós).
Etymology 3
From dialect + -ic.