interlocutors

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "interlocutors" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to two or more people engaged in a dialogue or conversation. For example, "The two interlocutors discussed their options for resolving the dispute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I don't think Margaret consciously exploited her gender, so much as it was something of which her interlocutors were always aware.

The Guardian

The density of "Echo's Bones" may be mind-bending at times, but we are never far from a joke, either in the form of a bit of snappy dialogue from Belacqua or his interlocutors, or as a spark generated by the pressure Beckett puts his language under.

The Guardian - Books

But my interlocutors didn't seem too convinced about the "opportunities" bit, and I left the studio feeling quite peeved.

The Guardian - Opinion

And now a report by a trio of interlocutors sent by the government in Delhi to study Kashmir's problems for a year may also help.

The Economist

He had an ability to indicate, through a wry look or self-deprecating turn of phrase, to his interlocutors and audience that he, like they, could see the funny and ridiculous side of politics and life.

The Economist

A photon of light, for instance, has different types of polarisation, each taking one of two possible values, which can be labelled 1 and 0. If two security-conscious interlocutors, known conventionally as Alice and Bob, measure the same type of polarisation, the value they find is always the same.

The Economist

Some have even accused him of trying to deceive his interlocutors by painting too rosy a picture of the new Zimbabwe, perhaps out of a misplaced sense of patriotism.Yes, there have been some improvements.

The Economist

A senior European politician dismisses that as "bullshit".The only consolation to harried diplomats and their fearful interlocutors is that another leak on this scale seems unlikely.

The Economist

His style during the discussions was "ironic" in the original sense of eironeia, meaning that he pretended to be ignorant to prompt his interlocutors to open up.His life, above all, was dedicated to the love of wisdom (philosophy).

The Economist

This is conjecture, but one can well imagine Mr Mitchell pitching up for meetings only to be told by his Israeli interlocutors that they have just been on the phone to someone more important: the "crucial behind-the-scenes conduit".

The Economist

During the cold war, the generals (in charge of NATO's second-biggest army) were America's chief interlocutors, which bolstered their influence at home.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "interlocutors" when you want to emphasize the formal or official nature of a conversation, especially in political, diplomatic, or academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "interlocutors" in casual or informal conversations. Simpler terms like "speakers" or "conversation partners" are more appropriate in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "interlocutors" is as a plural noun, referring to multiple participants in a conversation or discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "interlocutors" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that refers to the participants in a conversation or discussion, often in formal settings. While its usage is correct, it's best reserved for formal contexts, such as political discussions or academic papers, rather than casual conversations. Alternatives like "conversation partners" or "speakers" are more appropriate for informal situations. The term appears most frequently in news and media sources, reflecting its relevance in reporting on dialogues and negotiations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

people in discussion

A more general and descriptive way to refer to individuals involved in a conversation.

individuals in dialogue

Emphasizes the exchange of ideas between specific people.

conversation partners

Focuses on the act of conversing and the reciprocal nature of the interaction.

dialogue participants

Emphasizes the structured and purposeful nature of the conversation.

those conversing

Highlights the activity of conversation and the individuals participating.

discussants

Highlights the act of discussing and debating different viewpoints.

negotiators

Implies a formal discussion aimed at reaching an agreement or compromise.

parties involved in talks

Indicates a more formal setting of negotiation or discussion.

communicators

Broadly refers to anyone involved in the exchange of information.

conference attendees

Focuses on those present and engaging during formal sessions.

FAQs

How do you use "interlocutors" in a sentence?

"Interlocutors" refers to people taking part in a dialogue or conversation. For example, "The diplomats acted as "interlocutors" between the warring nations."

What can I say instead of "interlocutors"?

Alternatives to "interlocutors" include "conversation partners", "discussants", or "negotiators", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "interlocutors" in informal situations?

While grammatically correct, "interlocutors" is better suited for formal or professional settings. In informal contexts, consider using simpler terms like "speakers" or "people talking".

What's the difference between "interlocutors" and "intermediaries"?

"Interlocutors" are participants in a conversation, while "intermediaries" act as go-betweens, conveying messages between parties who may not directly communicate. Intermediaries facilitate communication without necessarily engaging in direct dialogue themselves.