di·a·lec·tic

[dahy-uh-lek-tik]
adjective Also, dialectical.
1.
of, pertaining to, or of the nature of logical argumentation.
noun
3.
the art or practice of logical discussion as employed in investigating the truth of a theory or opinion.
4.
logical argumentation.
5.
Often, dialectics.
a.
logic or any of its branches.
b.
any formal system of reasoning or thought.
7.
dialectics, ( often used with a singular verb ) the arguments or bases of dialectical materialism, including the elevation of matter over mind and a constantly changing reality with a material basis.
8.
(in Kantian epistemology) a fallacious metaphysical system arising from the attribution of objective reality to the perceptions by the mind of external objects. Compare transcendental dialectic.
9.
the juxtaposition or interaction of conflicting ideas, forces, etc.
00:10
Dialectic is always a great word to know.
So is lollapalooza. Does it mean:
an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.
a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.

Origin:
1350–1400; Middle English (< Anglo-French) < Latin dialectica < Greek dialektikḗ (téchnē) argumentative (art), feminine of dialektikós. See dialect, -ic

di·a·lec·ti·cal·ly, adverb
non·di·a·lec·tic, adjective, noun

dialectal, dialectic, dialectical (see usage note at dialectal).
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
dialectic (ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪk) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
1.  disputation or debate, esp intended to resolve differences between two views rather than to establish one of them as true
2.  philosophy
 a.  the conversational Socratic method of argument
 b.  (in Plato) the highest study, that of the Forms
3.  (in the writings of Kant) the exposure of the contradictions implicit in applying empirical concepts beyond the limits of experience
4.  philosophy Hegelian dialectic See also dialectical materialism the process of reconciliation of contradiction either of beliefs or in historical processes
 
adj
5.  of or relating to logical disputation
 
[C17: from Latin dialectica, from Greek dialektikē (tekhnē) (the art) of argument; see dialect]
 
dialec'tician
 
n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

dialectic
late 14c., from L. dialectica, from Gk. dialektike (techne) "(art of) philosophical discussion or discourse," fem. of dialektikos "of conversation, discourse," from dialektos "discourse, conversation" (see dialect). Originally synonymous with logic; in modern philosophy
refined by Kant, then by Hegel, who made it mean "process of resolving or merging contradictions in character." Related: Dialectical; dialectics.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia

dialectic

originally a form of logical argumentation but now a philosophical concept of evolution applied to diverse fields including thought, nature, and history.

Learn more about dialectic with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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Example sentences
That's the dialectic: if you are a success, especially a corporate success, you
  cannot also be out of control and beyond the pale.
Believe it or not, human relationships are a complex dialectic involving
  exchange of more than just mutual physical attraction.
But the common speech is everywhere the same, and its uniform vagaries take the
  place of the dialectic variations of other lands.
Like all good serious fiction, this novel has a true dialectic.
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