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

If their interlocutors are right or even partly right, the students should be mature enough to revise their positions. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024

In retrospect, this was a self-limiting position, one that automatically collapsed any distinction between engaging with an interlocutor and simply ceding to them. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024

Perhaps worried about alienating her interlocutor, Wang fails to press Payá on camera about her support of a candidate who embodies American bigotry and who is a beacon of extremism. —Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024

Gallant is a close interlocutor for the US administration, and has been said to have daily conversations with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. —Tara John, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024

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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