I. ˈdīəˌlȯg also -läg noun
also di·a·log “
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English dialoge, dialogue, from Old French, from Latin dialogus, from Greek dialogos, from dialegesthai to converse, from dia- + legesthai, present middle infin. of legein to speak — more at legend
1. : a written composition in which two or more characters are represented as conversing or reasoning on some topic
the essay … is in the form of a dialogue between two philosophers — Times Literary Supplement
2.
a.
(1) : an instance of conversational exchange : talk 1b
he had just come from an angry dialogue with his quarrelsome neighbor
(2) : oral communication : conversation 3a(1)
pleasant dialogue improves any dinner
b. : an exchange of ideas and opinions ; especially : a serious colloquy conducted or presented to entertain or instruct
should be useful … in providing a genuine dialogue between the English and the American intelligentsia — Stephen Spender
— see duologue ; compare monologue
3. : the conversational element of literary or dramatic composition
dialogue in which each phrase fits and reveals a character perfectly — Stanislaus Joyce
4.
a. obsolete : a musical composition for two or more alternating voices typically in question and answer form
b. : any musical arrangement suggestive of a conversation
the first movement, with its lovely initial dialogue between wind and strings — Cecil Gray
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
intransitive verb
: to take part in a dialogue
transitive verb
: to express in dialogue
and dialogued for him what he would say — Shakespeare
III. noun
: a discussion between representatives of parties to a conflict that is aimed at resolution