discourse

[ noun dis-kawrs, -kohrs, dis-kawrs, -kohrs; verb dis-kawrs, -kohrs ]

noun

1. communication of thought by words; talk; conversation:

   earnest and intelligent discourse.

   Synonyms: parley, chat, dialogue, colloquy, discussion

2. a formal discussion of a subject in speech or writing, as a dissertation, treatise, sermon, etc.
3. Linguistics. any unit of connected speech or writing longer than a sentence.

verb (used without object)

, dis·coursed, dis·cours·ing.

1. to communicate thoughts orally; talk; converse.
2. to treat of a subject formally in speech or writing.

verb (used with object)

, dis·coursed, dis·cours·ing.

1. to utter or give forth (musical sounds).

discourse

noun

1. verbal communication; talk; conversation
2. a formal treatment of a subject in speech or writing, such as a sermon or dissertation
3. a unit of text used by linguists for the analysis of linguistic phenomena that range over more than one sentence
4. archaic.
   the ability to reason or the reasoning process

verb

1. intr; often foll by on or upon to speak or write (about) formally and extensively
2. intr to hold a discussion
3. archaic.
   tr to give forth (music)

Derived Forms

• disˈcourser, noun

Other Words From

• dis·courser noun
• pre·discourse noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of discourse¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English discours, from Medieval Latin discursus (spelling by influence of Middle English cours “course”), Late Latin: “conversation,” Latin: “a run back and forth,” noun use of past participle of discurrere “to run about,” from dis- dis- ¹ + currere “to run”

Word History and Origins

Origin of discourse¹

C14: from Medieval Latin discursus argument, from Latin: a running to and fro, from discurrere to run different ways, from dis- ¹+ currere to run

Example Sentences

Last week, the Guardian announced it will no longer post on X, saying the US election underlined its concerns that Musk had been able to use X to "shape political discourse".

From BBC

Honest discourse is welcome, but hardly smacks of unity from the governing body.

From BBC

Already set in motion are cascading toxic effects on social discourse and political dynamics, marked by widening acceptance and promotion of overt bigotries and brandished hatreds.

From Salon

Italy's incendiary political discourse shows no sign of dying down.

From BBC

It would become a treatise for the far right and help solidify the great replacement theory into popular discourse.

From Salon

Related Words

• communication
• conversation
• discussion
• essay
• lecture
• monologue
• rhetoric
• speech
• treatise