dialectical

C1 Topic:Describing Qualities

US /ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪkəl/ UK /ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪkəl/ See IPA manual

Freq #81611

Meanings

1

adj
relating to dialectic: reasoning through the examination of opposing arguments

The seminar used a dialectical method, testing each claim against its strongest objection.
2

adj
involving an interaction or conflict between opposing forces that produces change

The historian described a dialectical struggle between industrial growth and labor reform.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 adj · relating to dialectic:... dialectic

2 adj · involving an interaction or... oppositionaldynamic

Word family

Derived forms dialecticallydialecticalization

Related forms dialectic dialogue thesis antithesis

Appears in

Phrases (1)

See all

dialectical materialism
a Marxist philosophy that explains change through opposing forces within material conditions

Adjective + noun

Etymology

From dialectic + -al, influenced by Latin dialecticus and ultimately Ancient Greek dialektikos ("of conversation or debate"), from dialegesthai ("to converse, discuss"). Philosophical use developed from disciplined argument into theories of change through opposing forces.

Topics

Describing Qualities Word Formation & Derivatives

External links

# dialectical

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C1
**Part of speech:** adj
**IPA (US):** /ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪkəl/
**IPA (UK):** /ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪkəl/
**Frequency rank:** 81611

## Meanings
1. relating to dialectic: reasoning through the examination of opposing arguments
2. involving an interaction or conflict between opposing forces that produces change

## Examples
- The seminar used a dialectical method, testing each claim against its strongest objection.
- The historian described a dialectical struggle between industrial growth and labor reform.

## Synonyms
- dialectic

## Derived Forms
- dialectically
- dialecticalization

## Related Forms
- dialectic
- dialogue
- thesis
- antithesis

## Etymology
From dialectic + -al, influenced by Latin dialecticus and ultimately Ancient Greek dialektikos ("of conversation or debate"), from dialegesthai ("to converse, discuss"). Philosophical use developed from disciplined argument into theories of change through opposing forces.

## Topics
- Describing Qualities
- Word Formation & Derivatives

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