Dialectically

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a manner relating to the art of logical discussion or reasoning by dialogue, involving the exchange of opposing ideas to reach the truth or synthesis of concepts
2. Acting according to a method of argument that emphasizes conflict and contradiction between opposing forces or ideas as a way to understand development or change
3. Engaging in a process of reasoning where contradictory viewpoints are examined and reconciled to produce a comprehensive understanding or new perspective

Etymology: "Dialectically" is simply "dialectical" with the adverbial ending "-ly" added, and the adjective itself comes from "dialectic," the Greek-derived term for reasoning through argument and counter-argument. The ending is the more ancient part of the chain: "-ly" descends from Old English "-līce," which in turn traces back to Proto-Germanic "*-līkō," a suffix meaning "having the form or appearance of," the same element that gave English "like" and, through its adjective form, "-ly" in words such as "lovely" and "friendly." The result is a word built from two very different layers of the language. The core of the word, "dialectic," reaches English through Latin and Greek, while the suffix that turns it into an adverb is native Germanic and has been doing the same job since Old English. A Greek idea about debate has therefore been grafted onto a Germanic grammatical machine, which is why the word reads as thoroughly English despite its classical heart.

Synonyms: logically, rationally, philosophically, systematically

Antonyms: irrationally, illogically