lo interlocutore

Definition & meaning

The word interlocutore refers to a person who is taking part in a conversation or a discussion with someone else.

1. In a general context: It refers to one of the participants in a dialogue or conversation, the person you are speaking with.
2. In a professional or formal context: It refers to a person or entity (such as a representative, organization, or government) with whom one conducts negotiations, business, or formal communication.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

• It is a masculine singular noun (plural: interlocutori).
• The feminine form is interlocutrice (plural: interlocutrici).

Word origin: The word comes from the Latin interloqui, which is composed of inter ("between" or "among") and loqui ("to speak"). Therefore, it literally describes someone who speaks between or with others.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• Interlocutore ↗ is often interchangeable with parlante ↗ in a generic sense.
• In the context of negotiation or debate, one might use controparte ↗.
• In a more generic conversation, terms like partner ↗ or candidato ↗ (when referring to a specific role in a dialogue) are sometimes used depending on the nuance.

Antonyms:

• There is no direct antonym, but in specific contexts, one might contrast the speaker with the ascoltatore ↗, who is the one listening rather than actively engaging in the verbal exchange.