1
Core meaning
A person who takes part in a conversation, dialogue, interview, or formal discussion.
Example
Each interlocutor interpreted the question differently.
interlocutor
/ˌɪntəˈlɒkjʊtə/ · in-tur-LOK-yuh-turnoun
A person who takes part in a conversation, dialogue, interview, or formal discussion.
Use interlocutor to express this relationship precisely: a person who takes part in a conversation, dialogue, interview, or formal discussion.
What interlocutor Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common noun frame
Use this noun in a complete noun phrase, adding the complement that identifies what it refers to when needed.
Example
The interviewer remained a patient interlocutor.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact concept matters; a related term may describe its cause, evidence, or opposite instead.
Example
The dialogue reveals little about the second interlocutor.
Use interlocutor Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Each interlocutor interpreted the question differently.
The interviewer remained a patient interlocutor.
The dialogue reveals little about the second interlocutor.
Precision Matters
Interlocutor overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
interlocutor
vs.Means a person who takes part in a conversation, dialogue, interview, or formal discussion.
representative
Means a person chosen or authorized to speak, act, or make decisions on behalf of others.
interlocutor
vs.Means a person who takes part in a conversation, dialogue, interview, or formal discussion.
pundit
Means a commentator presented as an expert who regularly offers opinions in public or through the media.
interlocutor
vs.Means a person who takes part in a conversation, dialogue, interview, or formal discussion.
proponent
Means a person who supports a claim or course of action.
interlocutor
vs.Means a person who takes part in a conversation, dialogue, interview, or formal discussion.
detractor
Means a person who criticises or disparages someone, a claim, or a course of action.
Test interlocutor in Context
Each person is a participant in the conversation.
1
In the recorded dialogue, each ___ responds directly to the other's questions.