discourse

[dis-kawrs, -kohrs, dis-kawrs, -kohrs, 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)

discoursed, discoursing 

1. to communicate thoughts orally; talk; converse.

2. to treat of a subject formally in speech or writing.

verb (used with object)

discoursed, discoursing 

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)

Other Word Forms

• discourser noun
• prediscourse 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

"The artists' seven-track rap battle was a 'war of words' that was the subject of substantial media scrutiny and online discourse," the judge wrote.

Read more on BBC

Herndon—and surely Lincoln as well—would be astonished that the future president’s first major speech has become such an organic reference point in modern political discourse.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The school, where Weiss has a seat on the board, pitches itself as “dedicated to the fearless pursuit of truth,” with a focus on “open inquiry and civil discourse.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Israel’s often bitter party politics can make American political divisions look small and American public discourse look tame.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

So much of the policy discourse has taken the incremental investor away from the healthcare sector.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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