A1 noun Neutral

dialogue

/ˈdaɪəlɒɡ/

A conversation between two or more people, particularly in a book, play, or film. In the context of art, it can also refer to a discussion or a symbolic exchange of ideas between different artistic styles or creators.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The dialogue in the movie was very easy to understand.

The dialogue in the movie was very easy to understand.

2

The curator hopes to foster a productive dialogue between the local artists and the public.

The curator hopes to foster a productive dialogue between the local artists and the public.

3

I really liked the funny dialogue between the two main characters.

I really liked the funny dialogue between the two main characters.

Word Family

Noun
dialogue
Verb
dialogue
Adjective
dialogic
Related
dialogist
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the prefix 'dia-' which means 'across' (like diameter) and '-logue' which means 'speech'. Dialogue is speech going across two or more people.

Quick Quiz

The writer spent all day writing the _____ for the final scene of the play.

Correct!

The correct answer is: dialogue

Examples

1

The dialogue in the movie was very easy to understand.

everyday

The dialogue in the movie was very easy to understand.

2

The curator hopes to foster a productive dialogue between the local artists and the public.

formal

The curator hopes to foster a productive dialogue between the local artists and the public.

3

I really liked the funny dialogue between the two main characters.

informal

I really liked the funny dialogue between the two main characters.

4

The essay explores the aesthetic dialogue between Renaissance painting and modern photography.

academic

The essay explores the aesthetic dialogue between Renaissance painting and modern photography.

5

Our primary goal is to maintain a constant dialogue with our investors regarding the gallery's growth.

business

Our primary goal is to maintain a constant dialogue with our investors regarding the gallery's growth.

Word Family

Noun
dialogue
Verb
dialogue
Adjective
dialogic
Related
dialogist

Common Collocations

constructive dialogue constructive dialogue
write dialogue write dialogue
open dialogue open dialogue
internal dialogue internal dialogue
meaningful dialogue meaningful dialogue

Common Phrases

open a dialogue

to start a conversation

inner dialogue

one's internal thoughts

intercultural dialogue

communication between different cultures

Often Confused With

dialogue vs monologue

A monologue is a long speech by one person, whereas a dialogue involves two or more people.

dialogue vs dialect

A dialect is a specific form of a language spoken in a certain area, while dialogue is a conversation.

📝

Usage Notes

The word is most commonly used to describe the spoken parts of a play or film. In broader contexts, it signifies a healthy exchange of ideas to solve a problem.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'monologue' when they mean 'dialogue' if they don't realize that 'di-' refers to 'two' or 'across'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the prefix 'dia-' which means 'across' (like diameter) and '-logue' which means 'speech'. Dialogue is speech going across two or more people.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Greek word 'dialogos', where 'dia' means 'through/across' and 'logos' means 'speech or reason'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun (plural: dialogues) Can be used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general process of discussion. Commonly follows verbs like 'start', 'maintain', or 'engage in'.
🌍

Cultural Context

In Western theatre and literature, realistic dialogue is a key element of the 'Naturalism' movement.

Quick Quiz

The writer spent all day writing the _____ for the final scene of the play.

Correct!

The correct answer is: dialogue

More art words

painting

A1

A painting is a picture that someone makes using paint. It is usually created on a surface like paper or canvas and is considered a piece of art.

sculpture

A1

A sculpture is a three-dimensional piece of art made by shaping or carving materials like stone, wood, metal, or clay. Unlike a painting, you can walk around a sculpture and see it from many different angles.

sketch

A1

A simple drawing that is done quickly and without many details. It is often used as a rough draft or a plan for a more finished piece of art.

portrait

A1

A portrait is a painting, drawing, or photograph of a person, usually focusing on the face and shoulders. It is created to show what the person looks like and often to express their personality.

landscape

A1

A landscape is a painting, photograph, or view of a wide area of land. In art, it usually shows natural scenes like mountains, trees, and rivers instead of people.

still life

A1

A still life is a type of art, such as a painting or photograph, that shows objects that do not move. Common subjects include everyday items like fruit, flowers, bottles, or bowls.

cubism

A1

Cubism is a style of modern art that shows objects and people as simple geometric shapes like cubes, triangles, and circles. Instead of looking realistic from one side, the art shows the subject from many different angles at the same time.

surrealism

A1

Surrealism is a style of art and literature that mixes real objects in strange or impossible ways, like in a dream. It aims to show the power of the imagination and the hidden thoughts of the mind.

contemporary art

A1

Contemporary art is art produced at the present period in time. It includes works made by artists living today and reflects the issues of our modern world.

easel

A1

An easel is a wooden or metal frame that stands on three legs. It is used to hold a canvas or a board while an artist is painting or drawing on it.

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