/ ˌdaɪəˈlektɪk; NAmE / noun [ sing. ] (also less frequent dia·lect·ics [ U ])
1.
( philosophy ) a method of discovering the truth of ideas by discussion and logical argument and by considering ideas that are opposed to each other
2.
( formal ) the way in which two aspects of a situation affect each other
► dia·lect·ic·al / -kl; NAmE / adjective
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French dialectique or Latin dialectica , from Greek dialektikē (tekhnē) (art) of debate, from dialegesthai converse with, from dia through + legein speak.