interlocutor

What does “interlocutor” mean?

noun.a person who takes part in a dialogue or conversation.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in passages discussing communication, philosophy, or debates, emphasizing the role of individuals engaging in thoughtful dialogue. It implies a more formal or structured interaction than simply "speaker" or "listener," highlighting the active participation and exchange of ideas between parties in a conversation.

Common Confusions

Interlocutor implies an active participant in a structured dialogue, while bystander usually suggests a passive observer who does not engage in the conversation.

Example Sentences

• The skilled interlocutor kept the debate moving forward smoothly.

• He paused to let his interlocutor finish speaking.

Word Parts: How to Remember “interlocutor”

Break “interlocutor” into its parts: inter- (between, among) + -loqu- (speak). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: inter- between, among (Latin)
• Root: -loqu- speak (Latin)