interlocutor

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'interlocutor' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to a person who is part of a conversation. For example, "The two interlocutors continued their lively discussion for hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How do I handle this? 'Do you recognise him?' asks the interlocutor.

The Guardian

Angela Merkel, the German chancellor and architect of the austerity he has vowed to defeat, has become a regular interlocutor.

The Guardian

(In recent weeks he's developed a habit of defiantly grunting "Right?" at the end of sentences, as if to suggest that, should his interlocutor persist in doubting him, Mr Miliband will have no hesitation in taking the matter outside)".

The Guardian

Then the ambassador from Morocco – for he is the interlocutor – tells me it's his foreign minister, who I had met in Rabat back in June.

The Guardian

Clegg spluttered good-naturedly: "Then the least I deserve is a cross on your ballot paper!" The conversation ended with Clegg noting that both he and his interlocutor were wearing North Face fleeces.

The Guardian

A key interlocutor was the president's foreign affairs fixer, a controversial former businessman called Sachin de Wass Gunawardene.

The Guardian

"Oh," said my interlocutor.

The Guardian

Angela Merkel, the chancellor, in effect the European Union's interlocutor, is held back by an electorate unwilling to shoulder the cost of supporting the euro or standing up to Russia.

The Economist

In Mr Sharon's eyes, the PA is worthless as an interlocutor.

The Economist

This colleague heard her interlocutor speaking in German.

The Economist

Another new organisation called Conflicts Forum, founded by a former British intelligence officer, Alastair Crooke, attempts to serve as an interlocutor between militant Islamist groups, such as Hamas and Hizbullah, and the West.Some mediation work can be instantly glamorous and hugely fulfilling, as in Kenya, but most of it is attritional; often it is pretty boring.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "interlocutor" to denote a formal and active participant in a conversation, particularly in settings where precision and neutrality are valued, such as legal, diplomatic, or academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "interlocutor" when a simpler term like "speaker" or "participant" suffices. Overusing formal vocabulary can make your writing sound pretentious. Reserve "interlocutor" for situations where the active role in a dialogue is important to emphasize.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "interlocutor" is as a noun. It identifies a person involved in a conversation or dialogue. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment and the examples provided, highlighting its use in formal and neutral communication contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "interlocutor" is a noun used to describe a person involved in a conversation, often in a formal or official capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It's frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. To avoid pretentiousness, use simpler terms like "speaker" or "participant" when appropriate. Related phrases include "conversational partner" and "dialogue participant". Remember to use "interlocutor" when you specifically want to emphasize someone's active role within a dialogue, especially in precise or neutral settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conversational partner

Focuses on the partnership aspect of the conversation.

dialogue participant

Highlights the active role in a dialogue.

conversationalist

Emphasizes skill and engagement in conversation.

discussant

Suggests a more formal or structured discussion.

communicator

A broader term referring to anyone conveying information.

negotiator

Highlights the strategic aspect of conversation aimed at agreement.

correspondent

Implies written communication or exchange.

interviewee

Specific to interview settings, the person being interviewed.

responder

Highlights the act of replying or answering.

mouthpiece

Describes someone who speaks on behalf of another.

FAQs

How to use "interlocutor" in a sentence?

Use "interlocutor" to refer to a person participating in a conversation, especially in a formal or official setting. For example, "The diplomat served as the chief "interlocutor" between the two nations".

What can I say instead of "interlocutor"?

You can use alternatives like "conversational partner", "dialogue participant", or "communicator" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "interlocutor" or "mediator"?

"Interlocutor" refers to someone participating in a conversation, while "mediator" refers to someone who facilitates a discussion between disagreeing parties. The correct term depends on the context.

What's the difference between "interlocutor" and "speaker"?

"Interlocutor" implies an active role in a two-way exchange or dialogue, whereas "speaker" simply refers to someone who is talking, without necessarily implying a back-and-forth conversation.