To me, as a non-native speaker, word "interlocutor" sounds more like
a technical term from linguistics than something used in a casual
conversation. Is this impression wrong? I can't seem to find any
other synonym. I am looking for something less formal that can replace "interlocutor" in the following sentences:
- My interlocutor on the phone said that…
- His interlocutors all expressed an opinion that…
Best Answer
Your instincts are correct, I'm a native English speak living in England and have never heard this word used. There's no reason that this word cannot be used, the definition fits the context in which you are using it, I just have not heard it used in common language. I found this googling, maybe it can be applied to formal speaking or theater arts.
The definition reads "a person who takes part in a conversation or dialogue." I would therefore use
Thinking about it, in common English, the "person on the phone" or "people who are canvassed for an opinion" are often referred to specifically, in the context of the conversation. For example, if it is an informal consultation the people participating in the conversation would be "friends", if formal "colleagues". We could use "person who speaks" but even if it a stranger they would likely be classified, like "telemarketer" or "cold caller".