noun

interlocutor

in-tuh-LOK-yuh-tuh

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Interlocutor (noun) means a person who takes part in a conversation or dialogue with someone else. Example: “The interviewer proved a thoughtful interlocutor throughout the debate.”

noun

formal A person who takes part in a conversation or dialogue with someone else.

"The interviewer proved a thoughtful interlocutor throughout the debate."

"Each speaker addressed their interlocutor directly."

"A good interlocutor listens as much as they speak."

How to use interlocutor

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn interlocutor is simply the person you are talking with.

When to use it

This is a formal word, more likely to appear in academic or diplomatic writing than in casual talk.

Memory tip

If a plainer word fits, such as 'speaker' or 'the other person', it will usually sound more natural in everyday English.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

fellow interlocutor address one's interlocutor skilled interlocutor

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The interviewer proved a thoughtful _____ throughout the debate.

Etymology

Interlocutor was borrowed from Medieval Latin interlocutor, an agent noun built from the Latin verb interloquor, meaning to speak between others. That verb combines a prefix meaning 'between' with the verb for 'to speak'.

Origin: Medieval Latin

Synonyms

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converser conversationalist

Related words

conversationalist conversationist

Rhymes for interlocutor

tutor executor prosecutor contributor distributor

See all rhymes for interlocutor →

Frequently asked questions

What does interlocutor mean?

It means a person taking part in a conversation, especially as one side of a dialogue.

Is interlocutor a formal word?

Yes, it is used mainly in formal, academic or literary writing rather than everyday speech.

How do you use interlocutor in a sentence?

You can use it to refer to whoever someone is speaking with, as in 'she turned to her interlocutor for a response'.

What is the meaning of interlocutor?

"interlocutor" (noun) means a person who takes part in a conversation or dialogue with someone else.

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