dialectical

adjective

di·​a·​lec·​ti·​cal ˌdī-ə-ˈlek-ti-kəl 

variants or less commonly dialectic

ˌdī-ə-ˈlek-tik 

1

philosophy

a

: of, relating to, or in accordance with dialectic

dialectical method

dialectical reasoning

b

: practicing, devoted to, or employing dialectic

a dialectical philosopher

2

linguistics : of, relating to, or characteristic of a dialect

dialectically

ˌdī-ə-ˈlek-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of dialectical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This approach is known as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 7 May 2025

Additionally, techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and mindfulness practices can now be delivered through AI, making therapy more scalable and cost-effective. —Petr Tolochkov, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

This is the astonishing dialectical power of the moment. —D. Graham Burnett, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2025

There are plenty of styles associated with therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and many others. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see dialectic

First Known Use

1532, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing dialectical

• dialectical materialism

Rhymes for dialectical

• spectacle