What does "dialogue" mean?
A conversation or other form of discourse between two or more individuals.
Dialogue
/ˈdaɪəlɒɡ/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A conversation or other form of discourse between two or more individuals.
- Grammar: dialogue is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: airing, analysis, antimasque, artists commune.
- Useful contrasts: no communication, canticles, communication avoidance.
- Usage evidence: Diplomatic dialogue helped put an end to the conflict.
How to use "dialogue"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "dialogue" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "dialogue" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "dialogue" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "dialogue" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "dialogue" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "airing" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "dialogue", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A conversation or other form of discourse between two or more individuals. countable, uncountable
"Melinda and Bill maintained a dialogue via email over the course of their long-distance relationship."
- 2 a literary composition in the form of a conversation between two people wordnet
- 3 In a dramatic or literary presentation, the verbal parts of the script or text; the verbalizations of the actors or characters. countable, uncountable
"The movie had great special effects, but the dialogue was lackluster."
- 4 the lines spoken by characters in drama or fiction wordnet
- 5 A literary form, where the presentation resembles a conversation. countable, uncountable
"A literary historian, she specialized in the dialogues of ancient Greek philosophers."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 a conversation between two persons wordnet
- 7 Nonstandard form of dialog (“dialog box”). alt-of, countable, nonstandard, uncountable
"Once the My Computer dialogue opens, select Local Disk (C:), then right click and scroll down."
- 8 a discussion intended to produce an agreement wordnet
Verb
- 1 To discuss or negotiate so that all parties can reach an understanding. informal
"Pearson wanted to dialogue with his overseas counterparts about the new reporting requirements."
- 2 To put into dialogue form. transitive
- 3 To take part in a dialogue; to dialogize. obsolete
"Dost [thou] dialogue with thy shadow?"
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Diplomatic dialogue helped put an end to the conflict."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "dialogue"?
Common synonyms include: airing, analysis, antimasque, artists commune, audience success, ballet.
How do you use "dialogue" in a sentence?
Diplomatic dialogue helped put an end to the conflict.
How do you pronounce "dialogue"?
Pronounced /ˈdaɪəlɒɡ/.
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.