discuss

[dih-skuhs]

verb (used with object)

1. to consider or examine by argument, comment, etc.; talk over or write about, especially to explore solutions; debate.

   to discuss the proposed law on taxes.

   Synonyms: deliberate, reason

2. Civil Law.

   1. to collect a debt from (the person primarily liable) before proceeding against the person secondarily liable.

   2. to execute against the movable property of (a debtor) before proceeding against the debtor's immovable property, as land.

3. Rare.,  to consume (food or drink) enthusiastically.

4. Obsolete.,  to make known; reveal.

discuss

/ dɪˈskʌs /

verb

1. to have a conversation about; consider by talking over; debate

2. to treat (a subject) in speech or writing

   the first three volumes discuss basic principles

3. facetious,  to eat or drink with enthusiasm

Other Word Forms

• discusser noun
• discussable adjective
• discussible adjective
• nondiscussible adjective
• overdiscuss verb (used with object)
• prediscuss verb (used with object)
• rediscuss verb (used with object)
• undiscussable adjective
• undiscussible adjective
• discussant noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of discuss¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, either from Anglo-French discusser or directly from Latin discussus “struck asunder, shaken, scattered,” past participle of discutere, equivalent to dis- dis- ¹ + -cutere (combining form of quatere “to shake, strike”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of discuss¹

C14: from Late Latin discussus examined, from discutere to investigate, from Latin: to dash to pieces, from _dis- ¹ + quatere to shake, strike

Example Sentences

Unlike most schools in California, Livingston Union counselors meet with every student and their family in fourth and seventh grades to discuss any academic and personal challenges.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Today we discuss Texas, overreaction and the voluminous field of candidates for California governor.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Ukrainian, European and Canadian national security officials were gathering in Geneva on Sunday to discuss the proposal.

Read more on Barron's

But the FA does not take a share of gate receipts, so that is an irrelevant argument when discussing equal prize money.

Read more on BBC

"Let's calm down. To jump out of the car and to make the first comment it's always a bit too much and let's discuss after the debrief," Vasseur said.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• argue 
• confer 
• consider 
• debate 
• deliberate 
• examine 
• explain 
• review 
• take up 

When To Use

What does discuss mean?

Discuss means to have a conversation about or talk about a particular topic, especially to examine it more closely, debate it, or figure out a solution.You can discuss something with another person or multiple people, or you can discuss something by talking or writing about it for an audience. Discuss tends to be used in contexts in which the topic is at least somewhat serious. The noun form of discuss is discussion.Example: Listen, class, the purpose of breaking into small groups is to discuss your projects—not to chat about your personal life.