dialectic
Say it: dye-uh-LEK-tik /ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪk/ · noun
What “dialectic” means
Seeking truth by testing opposing arguments together.
More precisely: Discovering truth by exchanging and testing opposing arguments.
Example: “Our best product decisions come from the dialectic between design and engineering.”
When to use it
For a thoughtful exchange where opposing ideas are questioned and refined. Mainly used in philosophy and serious discussions of reasoning.
Similar words
debate, reasoned discussion, discourse
Where it comes from
From Greek dialektikē (tekhnē), 'art of debate'.
Quick check
Two planners challenge each other's ideas, test the objections and revise their shared understanding of the problem. This process is…
a monologue or dialectic?
Show the answer
dialectic
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