dialogues - Master This Word
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dialogues Word Meanings
- a conversation between two or more people
- a written composition in which two or more characters are represented as conversing
- a discussion aimed at resolving a problem
dialogues Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
dialogues Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈdaɪəlɒɡ/
US
/ˈdaɪəlɒɡ/
dialogues Word Etymology
dia- = across, logue = speech; Old French 'dialogue' from Latin 'dialogus' combining Greek roots. Picture two people sitting on opposite sides of a table, exchanging ideas and words in a lively conversation.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I press a fingertip to the page and lean in, a tiny push of attention. The scene shifts as two voices start to argue and then listen, and I move from thinking alone to following a back-and-forth in my head. I adjust my pace and tone, letting the turns between speakers pull me along. By the end, the talk feels real, a little drama that teaches me how people speak to each other, not what the word itself means.
Real Context
Dialogue is a noun with three main senses: a conversation between two or more people; a written passage in which characters speak; and a formal discussion aimed at resolving a problem. In everyday use, you might say 'Let's have a dialogue about this,' meaning a cooperative exchange of ideas. In literature, dialogue reveals character and advances the plot. Be aware of spelling: British English tends to use dialogue, while American English often prefers dialog in computing contexts, though dialogue is widely understood. Learners often confuse dialogue with monologue or with the verb 'talk'; remember that dialogue emphasizes exchange between speakers, not a single speaker's speech.
Usage Reminders
- Keep the sense of exchange; avoid treating dialogue as a one-way speech. Use dialogue for between-people interactions, not a solo monologue. Distinguish dialogue from the verb 'to talk' when you need a noun. In writing, consider who is speaking and why. Prefer dialogue to paraphrase when you want realism.
Common Misconceptions
- Dialog always refers to fictional plays or movies
- Dialog is the same as monologue
- Dialog must be long and formal
- Dialog is only written, not spoken
- Dialog and talk are interchangeable in all contexts
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, dialogue emphasizes exchange and interactivity; learners should distinguish it from monologue and from shorthand 'dialog' in technical contexts.
Learning Tips
- Practice with a partner to build natural back-and-forth flow
- Annotate who speaks and why in dialogue passages
- Read plays or screenplays to see dialogue in context
- Don't over-quote; choose concise, realistic exchanges
- Use listening and speaking drills to hear natural dialogue rhythms
- Record and review your own dialogues for fluency
Related Listening
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