dialogue noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com

Definition of dialogue noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

dialogue

noun
 
 
/ˈdaɪəlɒɡ/
 
/ˈdaɪəlɔːɡ/
(US English also dialog)
[countable, uncountable]
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  1.  
     a conversation in a book, play or film or in language teaching materials
    • Learners are asked to listen to three short dialogues.
    • Practise the dialogue with a partner.
    • The novel has long descriptions and not much dialogue.
    Synonyms discussiondiscussionconversation ▪ dialogue ▪ talk ▪ debate ▪ consultation ▪ chat ▪ gossipThese are all words for an occasion when people talk about something.discussion a detailed conversation about something that is considered to be important:
    • Discussions are still taking place between the two leaders.
    conversation a talk, usually a private or informal one, involving two people or a small group; the activity of talking in this way:
    • a telephone conversation
    dialogue conversations in a book, play or film:
    • The novel has long descriptions and not much dialogue.
    A dialogue is also a formal discussion between two groups, especially when they are trying to solve a problem or end a dispute:
    • The President told waiting reporters there had been a constructive dialogue.
    talk a conversation or discussion, often one about a problem or something important for the people involved:
    • I had a long talk with my boss about my career prospects.
    debate a formal discussion of an issue at a public meeting or in a parliament. In a debate two or more speakers express opposing views and then there is often a vote on the issue:
    • a debate on prison reform
    consultation a formal discussion between groups of people before a decision is made about something:
    • There have been extensive consultations between the two countries.
    chat a friendly informal conversation; informal talking. The countable use of chat is especially British English: I just called in for a chat about the kids. gossip a conversation about other people and their private lives:
    • We had a good gossip about the boss.
    Patterns
    • a discussion/​conversation/​dialogue/​talk/​debate/​consultation/​chat/​gossip about something
    • a discussion/​conversation/​dialogue/​debate/​consultation on something
    • in (close) discussion/​conversation/​dialogue/​debate/​consultation with somebody
    • to have a discussion/​conversation/​dialogue/​talk/​debate/​consultation/​chat/​gossip with somebody
    • to hold a discussion/​conversation/​debate/​consultation
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    Topics Literature and writinga1, Film and theatrea1
  2.  
     a formal discussion between two groups or countries, especially when they are trying to solve a problem, end a disagreement, etc.
    • The president told waiting reporters there had been a constructive dialogue.
    • dialogue with somebody The government refused to engage in direct dialogue with the terrorists.
    • dialogue between A and B There needs to be a closer dialogue between management and staff.
    • dialogue about something an honest and open dialogue about racial identity in the US
    • dialogue on something a meaningful dialogue on pay and working conditions
    compare monologue
    Extra Examples
    • Managers are willing to hold a dialogue with union leaders.
    • The government must enter into a dialogue with industry on this issue.
    • The head encourages a climate of open dialogue among the teachers.
    • They have agreed to resume their dialogue with the teachers.
    • a serious political dialogue
    • attempts to encourage dialogue between the two groups
    • dialogue about concrete issues
    • the need for dialogue between the two sides in the dispute
    Topics Discussion and agreementb2, Politicsb2
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • close
    • direct
    • healthy
    • …
    verb + dialogue
    • engage in
    • have
    • hold
    • …
    preposition
    • dialogue about
    • dialogue among
    • dialogue between
    • …
    See full entry
    3. Word OriginMiddle English: from Old French dialoge, via Latin from Greek dialogos, from dialegesthai ‘converse with’, from dia ‘through’ + legein ‘speak’.
See dialogue in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee dialogue in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
Check pronunciation: dialogue

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aspiration
noun
 
 
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