discursive

[ dih-skur-siv ]

adjective

1. passing aimlessly from one subject to another; digressive; rambling.

   Synonyms: prolix, long-winded, wandering

2. proceeding by reasoning or argument rather than intuition.

discursive

/ dɪˈskɜːsɪv /

adjective

1. passing from one topic to another, usually in an unmethodical way; digressive
2. philosophy of or relating to knowledge obtained by reason and argument rather than intuition Compare dianoetic

Derived Forms

• disˈcursiveness, noun
• disˈcursively, adverb

Other Words From

• dis·cursive·ly adverb
• dis·cursive·ness noun
• nondis·cursive adjective
• nondis·cursive·ly adverb
• nondis·cursive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of discursive¹

From the Medieval Latin word discursīvus, dating back to 1590–1600. See discourse, -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of discursive¹

C16: from Medieval Latin discursīvus, from Late Latin discursus discourse

Example Sentences

However, in the conservative arena of hyperreal discursive discourse, the lack of discussion about the federal government’s current engagement in price controls on fossil fuels is notable.

From Salon

His debate performance was widely criticized, even among Republican allies, who lauded Harris for landing several key insults and baiting Trump into delivering several angry, discursive rants.

From Los Angeles Times

It may be true that at the discursive level there was a change in the way the president and the Mexican government talk about the drug trade.

From Los Angeles Times

And folks who go to his political rallies to be entertained are probably used to the kind of stream-of-conscience, discursive speech he delivered Thursday night.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Trump began by speaking in his usual discursive, dissembling manner.

From New York Times