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Synonyms

discourse

American  
[dis-kawrs, -kohrs, dis-kawrs, -kohrs, dis-kawrs, -kohrs] / ˈdɪs kɔrs, -koʊrs, dɪsˈkɔrs, -ˈkoʊrs, dɪsˈkɔrs, -ˈkoʊrs /

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 British  

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • discourser noun
  • prediscourse noun

Etymology

Origin of discourse

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”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Bible Society's "Quiet Revival" report had been widely reported on since its publication last year and became an accepted part of discourse among many Christians.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

In March 2025, Donald Trump had returned to power, Los Angeles was just beginning to recover from devastating wildfires and Oscar discourse had reached new, angry heights.

From Salon • Mar. 16, 2026

He also vowed that his government will bring an end to "hatred, division and fear" in public discourse.

From Barron's • Mar. 15, 2026

Within hours, the discourse on the Arab street changed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

So though we had great will to speak to the other, we were constrained in our discourse; I fretted at my ignorance.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.