dialogue
DEYE-uh-log
Dialogue (noun) means a conversation between two or more people, especially in a book, play, or film. Example: “The dialogue between the two characters felt completely natural.”
noun
1
A conversation between two or more people, especially in a book, play, or film.
"The dialogue between the two characters felt completely natural."
"She wrote sharp, funny dialogue for the sitcom."
"The actors read the dialogue aloud together before the first rehearsal."
2
A formal exchange of views, especially between groups trying to resolve a conflict.
"The two nations agreed to open a dialogue on trade issues."
"Leaders from both sides held a dialogue to end the long dispute."
"Residents asked the council for an open dialogue about the new road."
verb
1
To talk with someone in order to reach mutual understanding.
"The union and management agreed to dialogue before taking further action."
"Neighbours must dialogue calmly if they want to settle the fence argument."
"The teachers dialogued with parents to find a better school timetable."
How to use dialogue
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSpoken exchange between people — either in a story, or as a way of resolving disagreements.
Common mistake
American English spells it "dialogue"; some style guides accept "dialog," especially in computing (a "dialog box").
Easily confused with
Common pairings
open a dialogue
dialogue between
snappy dialogue
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- dialogues
- Past tense
- dialogued
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ between the two characters felt completely natural.
Etymology
From Old French dialoge, from Greek dialogos ("conversation"), from dia- ("through, between") + legein ("to speak").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for dialogue
See all rhymes for dialogue →Frequently asked questions
What does “dialogue” mean?
The word “dialogue” means a conversation between two or more people, especially in a book, play, or film. In plain terms, spoken exchange between people — either in a story, or as a way of resolving disagreements.
How do you pronounce “dialogue”?
“Dialogue” is pronounced DEYE-uh-log (/ˈdaɪəˌlɑɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “dialogue” in a sentence?
Here is “dialogue” used in a sentence: “The dialogue between the two characters felt completely natural.”
What part of speech is “dialogue”?
Depending on how it is used, “dialogue” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “dialogue” come from?
The word “dialogue” comes from Old French. From Old French dialoge, from Greek dialogos ("conversation"), from dia- ("through, between") + legein ("to speak").
Is “dialogue” a common word?
“Dialogue” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “dialogue” have?
“Dialogue” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a conversation between two or more people, especially in a book, play, or film.
What is the difference between "dialogue" and "conversation"?
A conversation is any informal talk between people, while dialogue often carries a more structured or purposeful sense, such as the spoken lines in a play or a formal exchange of views. In writing, dialogue also refers specifically to the words characters speak.
What is the difference between "dialogue" and "monologue"?
A dialogue is a conversation between two or more people, whereas a monologue is a long speech delivered by a single person. The prefix di- in dialogue relates to exchange between parties, while mono- means one speaker.
Is it spelled "dialogue" or "dialog"?
Both spellings are correct, with dialogue standard in British English and common in American English, while dialog is a shorter American variant. In computing, "dialog box" almost always uses the shorter spelling.
What are common collocations with "dialogue"?
Common pairings include open a dialogue, constructive dialogue, meaningful dialogue, and a dialogue between two sides. In writing and film, people refer to snappy dialogue or wooden dialogue.
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