dialectic

CEFRB2

/ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪk/

noun · adjective

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    noun

    A method of finding truth through opposing ideas and discussion.

  2. 02

    noun

    Extra detail

    A contradiction of ideas that serves as the determining factor in their interaction.

Examples

  • I want to participate in the dialectic process.

  • This situation created the inner dialectic of American history.

At a glance

Sits at B2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
2
Citations
4

Deep Dive

noun

Extra meanings
  1. development by way of overcoming internal contradictions

  2. Any formal system of reasoning that arrives at a truth by the exchange of logical arguments.

adjective

Extra meaning
  1. Dialectical (of or relating to dialectic)

More examples

In context
  • Is it [prodezza] a mere dialectic variation of prudenza,[…]?

  • […] if any one has, in common discourse, an indistinct, hesitating, dialectic, or otherwise faulty, delivery, his Natural manner certainly is not what he should adopt in public speaking; […]

  • […] we have a theory sufficiently consistent with the remote philological relations traceable between Cymri and Gael, and with the close dialectic affinities between Celtic Scotland and Ireland.

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Nearby

Origin

noun

From Old French dialectique, from Late Latin dialectica, from Ancient Greek διαλεκτική (dialektikḗ, “the art of argument through interactive questioning and answering”), from διαλεκτικός (dialektikós, “relating to dialogue”), from διαλέγομαι (dialégomai, “to participate in a dialogue”), from διά (diá, “through, across”) + λέγειν (légein, “to speak”).