dialogue
dialogue — noun
1. the spoken lines that characters deliver in a written story, a film, or a theatr
the spoken lines that characters deliver in a written story, a film, or a theatrical work, composed by the author or screenwriter.
Mira had to learn all her dialogue for the school play before the weekend.
collocation: learn (one's) dialogue
The film's dialogue sounded unnatural and made the actors appear stiff.
The playwright spent weeks polishing the dialogue between the two main characters.
Critics praised the short story for its sharp, realistic dialogue in the scenes between the detective and the grieving mother.
文法句型
dialogue + between
lines of dialogue
用法筆記
In this sense dialogue is usually uncountable (e.g. "the dialogue is excellent") but can be countable when referring to a specific exchange within a work: "a short dialogue between the lovers."
常見錯誤
2. formal exchanges between countries, political groups, or organizations that aim
formal exchanges between countries, political groups, or organizations that aim to settle a dispute or achieve a deal.
The two countries agreed to resume diplomatic dialogue after months of tension.
collocation: resume / engage in diplomatic dialogue
Peace dialogue between the government and the rebel groups broke down last week.
collocation: peace dialogue + break down
The company opened a dialogue with union representatives about working conditions.
Many hoped the trade dialogue would reduce tariffs between the nations.
- negotiations
more concrete and result-oriented; usually implies specific terms are being discussed
- talks
less formal synonym that is common in news reporting
- discussion
broader term; may be less structured than a formal dialogue
文法句型
dialogue + between + groups
dialogue + with + group
engage in dialogue
用法筆記
Frequently modified by an adjective naming the subject of the talks (peace dialogue, trade dialogue). Often used in the singular even when multiple sessions are implied. Distinguish from debate — dialogue implies cooperative problem-solving, not adversarial argument.
常見錯誤
3. an open exchange of opinions, feelings, or information between people, especiall
an open exchange of opinions, feelings, or information between people, especially with the aim of improving understanding.
The workshop created a space for genuine dialogue between teachers and parents.
collocation: genuine / open dialogue
Jiwoo believes there needs to be more dialogue between the older and younger generations.
collocation: dialogue between generations
The community meeting encouraged dialogue among neighbours about local safety issues.
A good manager keeps the dialogue open with team members throughout a project.
The Bangkok cultural forum promoted cross-cultural dialogue by inviting artists from Japan, India, and Brazil to share their work.
- conversation
more general and informal; can describe any spoken exchange
- discussion
more focused on exploring a topic in depth
- communication
broader term that includes non-verbal exchange
- monologue
a long speech by one person, not a two-way exchange
文法句型
dialogue + between + people
dialogue + about/on + topic
in dialogue with
用法筆記
This sense is broader than sense 2 — it does not require a formal or political context. It often carries a positive connotation of mutual respect and willingness to listen. Common in phrases about social harmony, education, and workplace culture.
常見錯誤
dialogue — verb
1. to write a passage of a book, play, or film as a conversation between characters
to write a passage of a book, play, or film as a conversation between characters, so that the story is told through their spoken words rather than through description.
The brothers' argument is dialogued through their phone calls, letting readers hear both sides.
passive: be dialogued + through [medium]
Director Eleni chose to dialogue the tense family dinner scene instead of using a narrator's voice to explain the conflict.
transitive: dialogue + direct object (scene)
The writing coach advised her students to dialogue their characters' hidden motives rather than stating them directly in the narration.
The playwright dialogued the character's inner conflict through a tense exchange with her mother.
- write in dialogue
more common phrasal alternative; 'the scene is written in dialogue'
- narrate
to tell a story through description rather than conversation
文法句型
dialogue + noun phrase
be dialogued as
用法筆記
This is a relatively rare, formal usage found mainly in literary criticism and writing guides. In everyday English, writers and speakers strongly prefer the noun form or phrases like "to write in dialogue."
2. to join a formal discussion or exchange opinions with another person or group, t
to join a formal discussion or exchange opinions with another person or group, typically to settle disagreements.
The Nepali prime minister and Indian trade minister agreed to dialogue directly about the border dispute rather than send letters.
intransitive: dialogue + about + [topic]
Scholars from different fields dialogued about climate policy at the international summit.
intransitive: dialogue + about
Community leaders from both sides agreed to dialogue every month until a solution was found.
Professor Nkechi dialogued with her political science students about the fairness of the university's new admissions policy.
- hold talks
more common; used in news about diplomacy
- confer
more formal synonym for formal discussions
文法句型
dialogue + with + person/group
dialogue + about/on + topic
用法筆記
This verb sense is very rare in everyday speech. Most learners and even native speakers use 'hold a dialogue' or 'engage in a dialogue' (noun constructions) instead. It appears primarily in academic or diplomatic writing.