English Meaning & Definitions
The art or practice of investigating or discussing the truth of opinions; inquiry into metaphysical contradictions and their solutions.
- “Socrates famously employed the dialectic method to expose inconsistencies in his interlocutors' beliefs.”
- “The philosophical seminar engaged in a rigorous dialectic, exploring various ethical dilemmas.”
(In Hegelian and Marxist philosophy) A method of argument or exposition that systematically weighs contradictory facts or ideas with a view to the resolution of their conflict, often involving a thesis, antithesis, and synthesis.
- “Hegel's philosophy is characterized by its use of the dialectic to understand the development of spirit and history.”
- “Marx applied the dialectical method to analyze the class struggle and the historical progression of societies.”
English Synonyms & Near Equivalents
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “dialectic”.
From Late Latin *dialectica* "dialectic, argumentation," from Greek *dialektikē (technē)* "(art) of debate," feminine of *dialektikos* "relating to discourse," from *dialegesthai* "to converse, discuss," from *dia-* "between, through" + *legein* "to speak." Originally referred to the art of philosophical debate, later specifically to the method of inquiry and instruction used by Socrates, and much later to the philosophical method of Hegel and Marx involving the reconciliation of opposites.
Think of 'dialogue' and 'logic' combined: a logical dialogue or debate to find truth.
Frequently Asked Questions About “dialectic”
1. What is the meaning of “dialectic” in English?
In English, dialectic (noun) is defined as: “The art or practice of investigating or discussing the truth of opinions; inquiry into metaphysical contradictions and their solutions.”.
2. How do you use “dialectic” in a sentence?
“Socrates famously employed the dialectic method to expose inconsistencies in his interlocutors' beliefs.”
3. What are English synonyms of “dialectic”?
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “dialectic”?
From Late Latin *dialectica* "dialectic, argumentation," from Greek *dialektikē (technē)* "(art) of debate," feminine of *dialektikos* "relating to discourse," from *dialegesthai* "to converse, discuss," from *dia-* "between, through" + *legein* "to speak." Originally referred to the art of philosophical debate, later specifically to the method of inquiry and instruction used by Socrates, and much later to the philosophical method of Hegel and Marx involving the reconciliation of opposites.
🇬🇧More English Words to English
View all English words →A measurement of time indicating an instantaneous occurrence or a state where no time has elapsed.
The base unit of time in the International System of Units (SI), equal to the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the caesium-133 atom.
A specific duration of time equal to one hour and forty-six minutes and twelve seconds.
The cardinal number equal to one thousand million (1,000,000,000), expressed in scientific notation as 10^9.