discourse
DIHS-kaws
Discourse (noun) means Serious conversation or communication, spoken or written, on a particular subject. Example: “The book examines the political discourse of the 1960s.”
noun
1
Serious conversation or communication, spoken or written, on a particular subject.
"The book examines the political discourse of the 1960s."
"Public discourse around the issue has become increasingly polarized."
"Students are taught to take part in academic discourse with respect and care."
verb
1
To speak or write at length about a subject.
"He discoursed for an hour on the history of the region."
"The professor liked to discourse on poetry whenever anyone asked a question."
"She discoursed at length about gardening until the tea went cold."
How to use discourse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSerious, sustained talk or writing about a topic, especially in public or academic life.
When to use it
Fairly formal — used in academic, political, and media contexts more than everyday chat.
Common pairings
public discourse
political discourse
discourse on
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Word forms
- Plural
- discourses
- Third person singular
- discourses
- Past tense
- discoursed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The book examines the political _____ of the 1960s.
Etymology
From Latin discursus, "the act of running about," from discurrere ("to run to and fro") — the sense shifted from "running around" to "talking around a topic."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for discourse
See all rhymes for discourse →Frequently asked questions
What does “discourse” mean?
The word “discourse” means serious conversation or communication, spoken or written, on a particular subject. In plain terms, serious, sustained talk or writing about a topic, especially in public or academic life.
How do you pronounce “discourse”?
“Discourse” is pronounced DIHS-kaws (/ˈdɪs.kɔːɹs/ in IPA).
How do you use “discourse” in a sentence?
Here is “discourse” used in a sentence: “The book examines the political discourse of the 1960s.”
What is another word for “discourse”?
Words with a similar meaning to “discourse” include norm and Overton window.
What part of speech is “discourse”?
Depending on how it is used, “discourse” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “discourse” come from?
The word “discourse” comes from Latin. From Latin discursus, "the act of running about," from discurrere ("to run to and fro") — the sense shifted from "running around" to "talking around a topic.".
Is “discourse” a common word?
“Discourse” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “discourse” have?
“Discourse” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: serious conversation or communication, spoken or written, on a particular subject.
What is the difference between discourse and conversation?
Discourse refers to serious, often extended communication on a particular subject, spoken or written, and is frequently used in academic or public contexts like political discourse. Conversation is a more general, everyday term for informal talk between people that does not need to be sustained or focused on a single topic.
When should you use discourse instead of discussion?
Discourse suits formal or analytical contexts, such as describing patterns of language and argument across a society or field, as in 'public discourse on climate policy.' Discussion is a more neutral, everyday word for any exchange of views, formal or informal.
Can discourse be used as a verb?
Yes, discourse can function as a verb meaning to speak or write at length about a subject, as in 'she discoursed on the merits of the plan.' This verb usage is formal and less common than the noun form.
