- 1conversations in a book, play, or film/movie The novel has long descriptions and not much dialogue. dialogues for language learners Synonymsdiscussionconversation 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 conversationdialogue 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 reformconsultation 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 Wordfinderfilmactor, cameraman, cinema, dialogue, director, dub, film, location, scenario, sound effect Wordfinderdramacomedy, denouement, dialogue, drama, dramatic irony, play, scene, set, soliloquy, speech Wordfinderplotdialogue, ending, flashback, plot, narrate, scenario, scene, storyline, tension, twist See related entries: Elements of a play, Film reviews and promotion, Film plots, Elements of a story
- 2a 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. compare monologue Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectiveclose, direct, healthy, … verb + dialogueengage in, have, hold, … prepositiondialogue about, dialogue among, dialogue between, … See full entry See related entries: International relations Word OriginMiddle English: from Old French dialoge, via Latin from Greek dialogos, from dialegesthai ‘converse with’, from dia ‘through’ + legein ‘speak’.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 government refused to engage in direct dialogue with the terrorists. The head encourages a climate of open dialogue among the teachers. There needs to be a closer dialogue between management and staff. They have agreed to resume their dialogue with the teachers. a constructive dialogue on pay and working conditions a serious political dialogue an honest and open dialogue about racial identity in the US attempts to encourage dialogue between the two groups dialogue about concrete issues the need for dialogue between the two sides in the dispute Learners are asked to listen to three short dialogues.
dialogue
nounBrE BrE//ˈdaɪəlɒɡ//; NAmE NAmE//ˈdaɪəlɑːɡ//, NAmE//ˈdaɪəlɔːɡ//
[countable, uncountable] International relations, Elements of a play, Film reviews and promotion, Film plots, Elements of a storyCheck pronunciation: dialogue
