interlocutor

noun

in·​ter·​loc·​u·​tor ˌin-tər-ˈlä-kyə-tər 

1

: one who takes part in dialogue or conversation

2

: a man in the middle of the line in a minstrel show who questions the end men and acts as leader

Did you know?

It may not necessarily be grandiloquence to use the word interlocutor in casual speech, but if your interlocutors—that is, the people with whom you are speaking—are using it, your conversation is likely a formal one. Interlocutor is one of many English words that comes from the Latin verb loqui, “to speak,” including loquacious (“talkative”), eloquent (“capable of fluent or vivid speech”), and grandiloquence (“extravagant or pompous speech”). In interlocutor, loqui was joined to inter- forming a Latin word meaning “to speak between” or “to issue an interlocutory decree.” An interlocutory decree is a judicial decision that isn’t final, or that deals with a point other than the principal subject matter of the dispute.

Examples of interlocutor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The documentary can be irksome, and its chronology a touch confusing, but Spiegelman is an entertaining interlocutor, and so are many of the artists and critics who testify to his greatness here. —Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025

Netflix’s silence leaves space for speculation about its refusal to denounce the remarks made by Gascón, an interlocutor in the toxic corners of Twitter/X. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025

But his comments chime with a wider, interventionist tone towards Europe coming from the new administration, and could set up Musk for a role as an interlocutor. —Rob Picheta, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025

This might be likened to the Socratic method whereby a weighty and ongoing dialogue with an astute interlocutor or partner can demonstrably improve your mind. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin interloqui to speak between, issue an interlocutory decree, from inter- + loqui to speak

First Known Use

1514, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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