discussant

[ dih-skuhs-uhnt ]

noun

1. a person who participates in a formal discussion or symposium and is responsible for a specific topic.

Word History and Origins

Origin of discussant¹

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30; discuss + -ant

Example Sentences

I do not want to see some sort of behind-the-scenes ticktock of why Fauci was ousted from the inner circle of pandemic discussants.

From New York Times

The discussants were debating the merit of anti-monopolistic policies and to what extent it could be useful to frame the messaging around the topic in a way that would get libertarians on board.

From Salon

The nature of the discussion, and of the discussants’ personae, meant that the chat could never in any way resemble a debate.

From The New Yorker

Most of the discussants live and work in the Acela corridor, removed both geographically and materially from the lives of those on whom they were so confidently pronouncing.

From The Guardian

“He was a tolerant, respectful discussant in hundreds of public programs and debates on prejudice, its various causes and ways to replace bigotry with enlightenment.”

From Washington Post