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

"YouTube values conservative voices on its platform and recognizes that these creators have extensive reach and play an important role in civic discourse," the company wrote to a Republican-controlled congressional committee, explaining the decision.

From BBC

The women offered up principles they feel are in short supply lately in the discourse over the government’s role in public health — among them “morals” and “empathy.”

From Los Angeles Times

This is a film that won’t be for everyone, a movie that will cause discourse, disagreements and a whole lot of distaste.

From Salon

Reasoned discourse had nothing to do with it.

From Salon

Identity — race, gender, class — has been at the forefront of artistic discourse for many years, but we tend to think of it as something being asserted or described.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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