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.

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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

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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

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”

Explanation

If you use the word discourse, you are describing a formal and intense discussion or debate. The noun discourse comes from the Latin discursus to mean "an argument." But luckily, that kind of argument does not mean people fighting or coming to blows. The argument in discourse refers to an exchange of ideas — sometimes heated — that often follows a kind of order and give-and-take between the participants. It's the kind of argument and discussion that teachers love, so discourse away!

Example Sentences

Credit where credit is due, though, he’s already made a mark on the political discourse that will have the staying power of a jagged scar.

From Slate • May 7, 2026

He laments the absence of such discourse in the Villages; people either don't talk politics, he says, or only discuss it with those they know well or are certain to share their views.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

We live in a world where people don’t even bother to look out the window in the morning before picking up their phones, ready to get online and join in whatever discourse the day’s generating.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

He could have been more civil in the discourse with the pope but . . . he’s Donald.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

“Ah, let us end this vain discourse and let silence speak instead,” Hamlet said, kissing me one last time.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Related Words

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