What does interlocutor mean?
An interlocutor is a person who participates in a conversation or dialogue. The word is especially useful in academic, legal, philosophical, and other formal contexts, where it emphasizes a participant's role as a speaker or conversational counterpart. In ordinary conversation, a speaker or conversation partner may sound more natural. The term can refer to any person involved in dialogue, though it is sometimes used to highlight the person whose contribution is being examined or contrasted. For example, a writer might discuss whether an interlocutor understood a text correctly or how forcefully an interlocutor challenged an argument. Recognising the word is useful for reading analytical writing and for describing communication precisely.
nounA person who takes part in a conversation or dialogue. The term is especially common in formal, academic, or legal contexts.
- A person who participates in a conversation or dialogue, especially in a formal, academic, or legal discussion.
"Each interlocutor was invited to comment on the proposal."
"The judge questioned each interlocutor about the meaning of the agreement."
"In the seminar, the discussion was often dominated by one particularly articulate interlocutor."
The regular plural is used for the different people participating in a conversation.
"The two interlocutors disagreed about the wording of the contract."
A conversation may have many voices, but every participant is, in the formal sense, an interlocutor.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does interlocutor come from?
The word comes from Latin interlocutor, formed from inter- (“between” or “among”) and loqui (“to speak”), literally meaning “a person who speaks between or with others.” English borrowed the form through Latin and French usage. The same root appears in related words such as loquacious, eloquent, and interlocution.
Related word forms
How interlocutor is actually used
This is a formal or scholarly term. In everyday speech, speaker or conversation partner is usually more natural.
Easily confused with interlocutor
An interlocutor is someone engaged in a conversation, whereas an interpreter is someone who translates speech between languages.