dialogue

dialogue — noun

1. the spoken lines that characters deliver in a written story, a film, or a theatr

1.nounB1
Definition

the spoken lines that characters deliver in a written story, a film, or a theatrical work, composed by the author or screenwriter.

Example

Mira had to learn all her dialogue for the school play before the weekend.

collocation: learn (one's) dialogue

The film's dialogue sounded unnatural and made the actors appear stiff.

Common collocations
  • stilted dialogue
  • natural dialogue
  • write dialogue
  • lines of dialogue
  • sharp dialogue
  • realistic dialogue
Synonyms
  • script

    refers to the entire written text of a play or film, not just the spoken lines

  • lines

    less formal; refers to the specific words an individual actor must say

Grammar Patterns

dialogue + between

lines of dialogue

Usage Note

In this sense dialogue is usually uncountable (e.g. "the dialogue is excellent") but can be countable when referring to a specific exchange within a work: "a short dialogue between the lovers."

Common Mistakes

The conversation in the movie was boring.' (when referring to written script)
The dialogue in the movie was boring.
'dialogue' is the correct term for lines written for characters in a script.

2. formal exchanges between countries, political groups, or organizations that aim

2.nounB2
Definition

formal exchanges between countries, political groups, or organizations that aim to settle a dispute or achieve a deal.

Example

The two countries agreed to resume diplomatic dialogue after months of tension.

collocation: resume / engage in diplomatic dialogue

Peace dialogue between the government and the rebel groups broke down last week.

collocation: peace dialogue + break down

Common collocations
  • peace dialogue
  • diplomatic dialogue
  • engage in dialogue
  • resume dialogue
  • open a dialogue
  • constructive dialogue
  • dialogue between parties
Synonyms
  • negotiations

    more concrete and result-oriented; usually implies specific terms are being discussed

  • talks

    less formal synonym that is common in news reporting

  • discussion

    broader term; may be less structured than a formal dialogue

Antonyms
  • conflict

    dialogue aims to prevent or end conflict

  • monologue

    one-sided communication, the opposite of exchange

Grammar Patterns

dialogue + between + groups

dialogue + with + group

engage in dialogue

Usage Note

Frequently modified by an adjective naming the subject of the talks (peace dialogue, trade dialogue). Often used in the singular even when multiple sessions are implied. Distinguish from debate — dialogue implies cooperative problem-solving, not adversarial argument.

Common Mistakes

The two presidents had a dialogue about who was right.
The two presidents held a dialogue to find common ground.
'dialogue' emphasises mutual understanding, not winning a debate.

3. an open exchange of opinions, feelings, or information between people, especiall

3.nounB1
Definition

an open exchange of opinions, feelings, or information between people, especially with the aim of improving understanding.

Example

The workshop created a space for genuine dialogue between teachers and parents.

collocation: genuine / open dialogue

Jiwoo believes there needs to be more dialogue between the older and younger generations.

collocation: dialogue between generations

Common collocations
  • open dialogue
  • genuine dialogue
  • maintain dialogue
  • cross-cultural dialogue
  • dialogue between X and Y
  • dialogue about/on
Synonyms
  • conversation

    more general and informal; can describe any spoken exchange

  • discussion

    more focused on exploring a topic in depth

  • communication

    broader term that includes non-verbal exchange

Antonyms
  • monologue

    a long speech by one person, not a two-way exchange

Grammar Patterns

dialogue + between + people

dialogue + about/on + topic

in dialogue with

Usage Note

This sense is broader than sense 2 — it does not require a formal or political context. It often carries a positive connotation of mutual respect and willingness to listen. Common in phrases about social harmony, education, and workplace culture.

Common Mistakes

We had a dialogue about the weather.
We had a conversation about the weather.
'dialogue' (sense 3) implies a meaningful exchange of views, not casual small talk.

dialogue — verb

Word family

  • dialogic
    adjectiveC1
  • dialogical
    adjectiveC2
  • dialogist
    nounC2
  • monologue
    nounB2
  • monologic
    adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

While all four words describe verbal exchange, they differ in purpose and formality. 'Dialogue' (sense 2) emphasises cooperative problem-solving between parties who may disagree but are seeking common ground — it carries a constructive, non-adversarial tone. 'Negotiations' are more concrete and goal-driven, focusing on specific terms or deals. 'Talks' is the least formal of the four and is widely used in journalism for any round of discussion. 'Discussion' is the broadest term, covering any topic exploration without implying conflict. 'Debate' is the most adversarial — participants argue opposing positions to win rather than to find agreement. For example: 'the peace dialogue focused on rebuilding trust' contrasts with 'the candidates held a heated debate on tax policy.'

negotiationstalksdiscussion ↗debate ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • dialogue partner
  • dialogue session
  • dialogue process

Adverbs

Phrases

  • in dialogue with
  • a dialogue of the deaf
  • engage in dialogue

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'dialogue' comes from the Greek word 'dialogos', meaning 'conversation' or 'discourse'. It is formed from 'dia-' (meaning 'through' or 'across') and 'logos' (meaning 'word' or 'speech'). The term passed into Latin as 'dialogus' and then into Old French as 'dialogue', before entering English around the 13th century. The idea of conversation 'through words' — a two-way flow between people — has remained at the heart of the word ever since.