Conversation vs. Dialogue — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 24, 2023
"Conversation" is a general exchange of ideas or sentiments between two or more people; "Dialogue" specifically refers to a written or spoken conversational exchange between two characters or entities.
Difference Between Conversation and Dialogue
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Conversation" is a broad term that encompasses any form of verbal exchange between two or more individuals. It can be informal or formal, short or prolonged. "Dialogue," on the other hand, is a more specific term that generally refers to a structured exchange between two entities, often used in literary, theatrical, or cinematic contexts.
In everyday usage, "Conversation" can refer to any kind of talk between people, be it a chat about the weather, a deep discussion on philosophical topics, or a business negotiation. "Dialogue" tends to be more structured, often denoting exchanges that have a clear beginning, middle, and end. In literature or scripts, a "Dialogue" showcases the interaction between characters.
"Conversation" is a versatile word, suitable for describing both mundane and profound exchanges. It can happen face-to-face, over the phone, or even through written mediums like letters or messaging apps. "Dialogue," while also versatile, often implies a deeper level of engagement or a specific context where two parties are addressing each other directly.
From a grammatical standpoint, "Conversation" is typically used as a noun to describe the act or instance of conversing. "Dialogue" can also function as a noun, but it has an additional usage as a verb, especially in contexts like "dialoguing" about a particular issue.
While both "Conversation" and "Dialogue" pertain to communication, their nuances make them suitable for different contexts. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right word for a given situation.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
General verbal exchange.
Structured exchange, often between two.
Context of Use
Informal or formal settings.
Often literary, theatrical, or cinematic.
Number of Entities
Can involve two or more individuals.
Typically involves two entities.
Depth
Can be mundane or profound.
Often implies deeper engagement.
Grammatical Use
Primarily a noun.
Used as both noun and verb.
Compare with Definitions
Conversation
The act or process of communicating.
Good conversation requires active listening.
Dialogue
A political discussion between nations or groups.
A dialogue between the rival factions began.
Conversation
A discussion, especially one on serious topics.
We had a conversation about future plans.
Dialogue
A written conversational exchange between two characters.
The dialogue in the play was witty and engaging.
Conversation
An informal talk involving two people or a small group.
Their conversation lasted for hours.
Dialogue
The lines spoken by characters in drama or fiction.
The dialogue revealed the character's true intentions.
Conversation
A written or digital exchange, like in messaging.
I saved our conversation for reference.
Dialogue
A discussion between two or more people or parties.
They entered into a dialogue about peace.
Conversation
Conversation is interactive communication between two or more people. The development of conversational skills and etiquette is an important part of socialization.
Dialogue
Dialogue (sometimes spelled dialog in American English) is a written or spoken conversational exchange between two or more people, and a literary and theatrical form that depicts such an exchange. As a philosophical or didactic device, it is chiefly associated in the West with the Socratic dialogue as developed by Plato, but antecedents are also found in other traditions including Indian literature.
Conversation
A talk, especially an informal one, between two or more people, in which news and ideas are exchanged
She picked up the phone and held a conversation in French
The two men were deep in conversation
Dialogue
A conversation between two or more people.
Conversation
The exchange of thoughts and feelings by means of speech or sign language
Gifted in the art of conversation.
Dialogue
A discussion of positions or beliefs, especially between groups to resolve a disagreement.
Conversation
An instance of this
Held a long conversation on the subject.
Dialogue
Conversation between characters in a drama or narrative.
Conversation
Expression and exchange of individual ideas through talking with other people; also, a set instance or occasion of such talking.
I had an interesting conversation with Nicolas yesterday about how much he's getting paid.
Dialogue
The lines or passages in a script that are intended to be spoken.
Conversation
(fencing) The back-and-forth play of the blades in a bout.
Dialogue
A literary work written in the form of a conversation
The dialogues of Plato.
Conversation
The protocol-based interaction between systems processing a transaction.
Dialogue
(Music) A composition or passage for two or more parts, suggestive of conversational interplay.
Conversation
(obsolete) Interaction; commerce or intercourse with other people; dealing with others.
Dialogue
To express as or in a dialogue
Dialogued parts of the story.
Conversation
(archaic) Behaviour, the way one conducts oneself; a person's way of life.
Dialogue
To engage in a dialogue.
Conversation
(obsolete) Sexual intercourse.
Criminal conversation
Dialogue
A conversation or other form of discourse between two or more individuals.
Bill and Melinda maintained a dialogue via email over the course of their long-distance relationship.
Start up a dialogue
Conversation
(obsolete) Engagement with a specific subject, idea, field of study etc.
Dialogue
(authorship) In a dramatic or literary presentation, the verbal parts of the script or text; the verbalizations of the actors or characters.
The movie had great special effects, but the dialogue was lackluster.
Conversation
To engage in conversation (with).
Dialogue
(philosophy) A literary form, where the presentation resembles a conversation.
A literary historian, she specialized in the dialogues of ancient Greek philosophers.
Conversation
General course of conduct; behavior.
Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel.
Dialogue
(computing) A dialogue box.
Once the My Computer dialogue opens, select Local Disk (C:), then right click and scroll down.
Conversation
Familiar intercourse; intimate fellowship or association; close acquaintance.
I set down, out of long experience in business and much conversation in books, what I thought pertinent to this business.
Dialogue
To discuss or negotiate so that all parties can reach an understanding.
Pearson wanted to dialogue with his overseas counterparts about the new reporting requirements.
Conversation
Commerce; intercourse; traffic.
All traffic and mutual conversation.
Dialogue
(transitive) To put into dialogue form.
Conversation
Colloquial discourse; oral interchange of sentiments and observations; informal dialogue.
The influence exercised by his [Johnson's] conversation was altogether without a parallel.
Dialogue
(obsolete) To take part in a dialogue; to dialogize.
Conversation
Sexual intercourse; as, criminal conversation.
Dialogue
A conversation between two or more persons; particularly, a formal conservation in theatrical performances or in scholastic exercises.
Conversation
The use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
Dialogue
A written composition in which two or more persons are represented as conversing or reasoning on some topic; as, the Dialogues of Plato.
Conversation
An exchange of sentiments, observations, or opinions.
The conversation shifted to politics.
Dialogue
To take part in a dialogue; to dialogize.
Dialogue
To express as in dialogue.
And dialogued for him what he would say.
Dialogue
A conversation between two persons
Dialogue
The lines spoken by characters in drama or fiction
Dialogue
A literary composition in the form of a conversation between two people;
He has read Plato's Dialogues in the original Greek
Dialogue
A discussion intended to produce an agreement;
The buyout negotiation lasted several days
They disagreed but kept an open dialogue
Talks between Israelis and Palestinians
Dialogue
To engage in a conversation or discussion.
The two leaders will dialogue about pressing issues.
Common Curiosities
Can a "Conversation" be between more than two people?
Yes, a "Conversation" can involve multiple participants.
Can "Dialogue" be used as a verb?
Yes, "Dialogue" can be used as a verb, meaning to engage in conversation.
Does "Conversation" always imply spoken words?
No, "Conversation" can also refer to written exchanges, like in messaging.
Is "Dialogue" restricted to fictional contexts?
No, "Dialogue" can be used in non-fictional contexts, like political discussions.
Is "Conversation" limited to casual topics?
No, "Conversation" can range from casual chats to profound discussions.
Can "Dialogue" indicate a conversation in a book?
Yes, "Dialogue" often refers to exchanges between characters in literature.
Does every book have "Dialogue"?
No, not every book has "Dialogue"; some might have narrative without character exchanges.
Is every "Dialogue" a "Conversation"?
While every "Dialogue" is an exchange (a "Conversation"), not every "Conversation" is a structured "Dialogue."
Is a "Conversation" in a movie considered "Dialogue"?
Yes, exchanges between characters in movies are typically called "Dialogue."
Which is more formal, "Conversation" or "Dialogue"?
Both can be formal, but "Dialogue" often implies a more structured or purposeful exchange.
Do all plays have "Dialogue"?
Most plays have "Dialogue," but some might rely on monologues or non-verbal elements.
Can animals have a "Conversation"?
Figuratively, one might say animals "converse," but it's not a "Conversation" in the human linguistic sense.
Can a "Conversation" occur online?
Yes, "Conversations" can occur through online chats or messaging platforms.
What's a synonym for "Dialogue" in a literary context?
In literature, a synonym for "Dialogue" might be "exchange" or "banter."
Can a "Dialogue" be one-sided?
Typically, "Dialogue" involves two parties, but it can be used figuratively for one-sided exchanges in some contexts.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
