Agency Dictionary

Dialectical

adjectivePronunciation: /ˌdaɪ.əˈlɛk.tɪ.kəl/

In Portuguese: Dialético

Philosophy & Ethics

What does “Dialectical” mean?

Relating to the logical discussion of ideas, opinions, or the dynamic interplay of opposing forces.

Etymology

Formed in English from dialectic and the suffix -al. Dialectic comes, through Old French dialectique and Latin dialectica, from Greek dialektike (tekhne), "the art of discussion", from dialegesthai, "to converse", made of dia ("through, across") and legein ("to speak"). In Greek philosophy the word named reasoning by question and answer. Its modern sense of a movement driven by opposing forces comes from 19th century German philosophy, above all Hegel and Marx.

Synonyms

dialectic
argumentative
logical
analytical

Often confused with

dialectal: Dialectal refers to a dialect, a regional variety of a language; dialectical refers to dialectic, the method of reasoning.

Word family

dialectic
dialectics
dialectically
dialectician
dialogue

Concept

Dialectical ConflictDialectical conflict is the structured opposition of competing forces, perspectives, or entities that generates dynamic movement and new synthesized realities. Rather…

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Issue.23 - A Brazilian Model?February 11, 2024Read the edition

Words of the same theme

Antithesisnoun: A person, thing, or concept that represents the direct or exact opposite of another.
Discursiveadjective: Proceeding by reasoned argument or sequential exposition rather than by immediate visual intuition.
Treatisenoun: A formal, systematic, and comprehensive written work dealing methodically with the principles and evidence of a particular philosophical, scientific, or technical subject.
Maximnoun: A concise statement expressing a fundamental principle, general truth, or practical rule of conduct.
rhetoricnoun: The art of effective and persuasive speaking or writing, especially through strategic linguistic devices.
Tangibleadjective: Perceptible by the sense of touch or capable of being physically grasped and measured in concrete physical reality. It distinguishes concrete material products from virtual or intellectual entities.
Holisticadjective: Characterized by the comprehension of parts as intimately interconnected and explicable only in reference to the whole.
Abyssnoun: A deep or seemingly bottomless chasm, either in physical geography or metaphorical psychological depth. It evokes feelings of unfathomable emptiness or existential peril.
aestheticsnoun: A set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, artistic taste, and style.
Affectnoun: An expressed or experienced emotion, feeling, or visceral response to a stimulus in psychology and philosophy.
Agapenoun: A selfless, unconditional, and altruistic form of love often associated in theology with divine charity.
Ambiguitynoun: The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness or uncertainty of meaning.

Also from these editions: terms

Stigmanoun: A mark of social disgrace, shame, or prejudice associated with a particular circumstance, trait, or behavior.
Crystallizeverb: To take definite, structured, or concrete shape after an initial period of ambiguity or fluidity.
Frivolousadjective: Lacking any serious purpose or substantive value, characterized by triviality and superficiality.
Heterogeneousadjective: Composed of diverse, dissimilar elements, individuals, or cultural traditions joined together.
Ludicadjective: Of, relating to, or characterized by play, games, and lighthearted recreation.
Malandronoun: A cunning, charming rogue or hustler in Brazilian culture who navigates life with wit, agility, and improvisational ease.
Manuscriptnoun: A book, document, or piece of music written or typed by hand rather than mass printed.
Narcolepticadjective: Relating to, affected by, or resembling a neurological condition characterized by sudden, involuntary bouts of deep sleep.
Polymathnoun: A person of broad and comprehensive knowledge who excels across multiple distinct intellectual disciplines.
Subproletarianadjective: Relating to or belonging to an impoverished social stratum positioned below the regular industrial working class.
Synthesisnoun: The combination of separate elements, ideas, or entities into a unified, coherent whole.