| Library / English Dictionary |
DIALOGUE
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
A literary composition in the form of a conversation between two people
Example:
he has read Plato's Dialogues in the original Greek
Synonyms:
dialog; dialogue
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Hypernyms ("dialogue" is a kind of...):
literary composition; literary work (imaginative or creative writing)
Sense 2
Meaning:
The lines spoken by characters in drama or fiction
Synonyms:
dialog; dialogue
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Hypernyms ("dialogue" is a kind of...):
book; playscript; script (a written version of a play or other dramatic composition; used in preparing for a performance)
Meronyms (parts of "dialogue"):
actor's line; speech; words (words making up the dialogue of a play)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "dialogue"):
duologue (a part of the script in which the speaking roles are limited to two actors)
Sense 3
Meaning:
A conversation between two persons
Synonyms:
dialog; dialogue; duologue
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Hypernyms ("dialogue" is a kind of...):
talk; talking (an exchange of ideas via conversation)
Sense 4
Meaning:
A discussion intended to produce an agreement
Example:
talks between Israelis and Palestinians
Synonyms:
dialogue; negotiation; talks
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Hypernyms ("dialogue" is a kind of...):
discussion; give-and-take; word (an exchange of views on some topic)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "dialogue"):
parley (a negotiation between enemies)
diplomacy; diplomatic negotiations (negotiation between nations)
bargaining (the negotiation of the terms of a transaction or agreement)
collective bargaining (negotiation between an employer and trade union)
horse trading (negotiation accompanied by mutual concessions and shrewd bargaining)
mediation (a negotiation to resolve differences that is conducted by some impartial party)
II. (verb)
Sense 1
Present simple (first person singular and plural, second person singular and plural, third person plural) of the verb dialogue
Context examples:
The perpetual commendations of the lady, either on his handwriting, or on the evenness of his lines, or on the length of his letter, with the perfect unconcern with which her praises were received, formed a curious dialogue, and was exactly in union with her opinion of each.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
While waiting and wishing, looking now at the dancers and now at the door, this dialogue between the two above-mentioned ladies was forced on her—“I think, ma'am,” said Mrs. Norris, her eyes directed towards Mr. Rushworth and Maria, who were partners for the second time, “we shall see some happy faces again now.”
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
"That was very false economy," remarked Mrs. Fairfax, who now again caught the drift of the dialogue.
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
This brought on a dialogue of civilities between the other two; but Catherine heard neither the particulars nor the result.
(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)
I felt apprehensive that I was personally interested in this dialogue, and sought Mr. Murdstone's eye as it lighted on mine.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
Mrs. Cole was telling that she had been calling on Miss Bates, and as soon as she entered the room had been struck by the sight of a pianoforte—a very elegant looking instrument—not a grand, but a large-sized square pianoforte; and the substance of the story, the end of all the dialogue which ensued of surprize, and inquiry, and congratulations on her side, and explanations on Miss Bates's, was, that this pianoforte had arrived from Broadwood's the day before, to the great astonishment of both aunt and niece—entirely unexpected; that at first, by Miss Bates's account, Jane herself was quite at a loss, quite bewildered to think who could possibly have ordered it—but now, they were both perfectly satisfied that it could be from only one quarter;—of course it must be from Colonel Campbell.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
A short dialogue on the subject of the country ensued, on either side calm and concise—and soon put an end to by the entrance of Charlotte and her sister, just returned from her walk.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
I once, indeed, overheard part of a dialogue between Leah and one of the charwomen, of which Grace formed the subject.
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
The necessity of carrying on this dialogue (his part in which was very slow; mine very quick) in a low tone, that the house might not be disturbed at an unseasonable hour, did not improve my temper; though my passion was cooling down.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
When she was half-way up the set, the whole group were exactly behind her, and she would no longer allow her eyes to watch; but Mr. Elton was so near, that she heard every syllable of a dialogue which just then took place between him and Mrs. Weston; and she perceived that his wife, who was standing immediately above her, was not only listening also, but even encouraging him by significant glances.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
