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DictionaryRoot: -ikos
Greek

-ikos

connected with or characteristic of

Forms

  • -ikos
  • -ic — The ending shortened as Greek words entered Latin, French, and English.

Origin

Greek -ikos continued an older Indo-European ending used to describe a connection or kind.

Note

English extended this borrowed ending to newly coined words.

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Two adult discussants examine opposing options for a small bridge model: one points to an arch, other points to a beam.
noun / adjective

dialectic

dye-uh-LEK-tik/ˌdaɪəˈlektɪk/

The interaction of opposing ideas or forces to develop understanding or bring about change.

Etymology
diaGreekthrough, across; apart
+lectGreekgather, choose, or say
+icGreekconnected with or characteristic of

Speaking with one another developed into the art of philosophical discussion. Dialectic applies that exchange to testing opinions through reasoned argument and refutation, rather than merely conversing.

Full entry

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