discuss
Americanverb (used with object)
-
discusses,
present (3rd person singular)
-
discussed,
past participle, past
-
discussing
present participle
-
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
-
Civil Law.
-
to collect a debt from (the person primarily liable) before proceeding against the person secondarily liable.
-
to execute against the movable property of (a debtor) before proceeding against the debtor's immovable property, as land.
-
-
Rare. to consume (food or drink) enthusiastically.
-
Obsolete. to make known; reveal.
verb
-
to have a conversation about; consider by talking over; debate
-
to treat (a subject) in speech or writing
the first three volumes discuss basic principles
-
facetious to eat or drink with enthusiasm
Usage
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.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
discussantnoun
-
discussernoun
-
overdiscussverb (used with object)
-
prediscussverb (used with object)
-
rediscussverb (used with object)
-
discussableadjective
-
discussibleadjective
-
nondiscussibleadjective
-
undiscussableadjective
-
undiscussibleadjective
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
discusssimple
-
discussessimple
-
have discussedperfect
-
has discussedperfect
-
am discussingprogressive
-
are discussingprogressive
-
is discussingprogressive
-
have been discussingperfect progressive
-
has been discussingperfect progressive
Past
-
discussedsimple
-
had discussedperfect
-
was discussingprogressive
-
were discussingprogressive
-
had been discussingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of discuss
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”)
Explanation
To discuss is to talk: but with a more serious intent. Discussing is a lot more substantial than chatting. When someone says, "I have something I need to discuss with you," most people think "Uh oh." To discuss usually implies a certain amount of serious talking. This can apply to writing as well: essays discuss topics, usually in a careful, thorough way. On the other hand, sometimes discuss means exactly the same thing as talk or converse. Like all words, the meaning depends on how it’s used.
Vocabulary lists containing discuss
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 5
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade 11)
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
See Examples For:
The government has refused to discuss political changes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026
The SPD, he said, would hold a convention in December to discuss adjustments to its policies in light of the recent elections.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026
When asked about how he thinks Prince Harry has been treated by the Royal Family, Earl Spencer told the BBC he is reluctant to discuss it, but he said he was concerned about his security.
From BBC ● Sep. 20, 2026
But the Fair Games Coalition claims she responded to their requests to meet and discuss their concerns by resigning.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 20, 2026
“Perhaps we can discuss this in private,” said Mother.
From "City Spies" by James Ponti
His proposal discusses several possible mechanisms, including capability checkpoints, limits on computing power for AI training and restrictions on using AI to develop more advanced AI.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026
Actor Lee Pace discusses life on his farm and the magic of stage acting.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 12, 2026
The 29-year-old says that she's an "open book" on some subjects and wants to "share her journey" as she discusses both her upcoming wedding and family planning with equal comfort.
From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026
On the latest episode of ICYMI, host Kate Lindsay discusses why TikTok is starting to feel like Twitter in the worst way.
From Slate ● Sep. 1, 2026
What he accomplished in Iceland inspired the film, which discusses the so-called Fischer Boom of increased chess activity, post-1972.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
Chinese state news agency Xinhua said the two sides had "candid, in-depth and constructive exchanges on key economic and trade issues", noting that they had discussed AI.
From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026
Paramount discussed $1.5 billion California investment to clear merger hurdle.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 21, 2026
Among the concessions the parties have discussed beyond the sizable production investment: A promise not to sell either studio lot and to stay in the state of California, the people said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026
Bonta and Paramount have discussed including in any settlement a condition that Paramount would keep its operations in California for a set period, according to people familiar with the proposal but not authorized to comment.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 20, 2026
At the White House, Saturday morning began with a glimmer of hope as Nikita Khrushchev’s “knot of war” letter was read and discussed in the Cabinet Room.
From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin
Martin said he was also looking forward to discussing "even stronger and closer relationships between the European Union and the United Kingdom, which will be of benefit to the European Union and to Ireland".
From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026
FAA officials have been discussing with airlines how to coordinate their schedules as part of the software’s broader rollout.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 17, 2026
Micron stock was reacting to news that Intel and SK Hynix are discussing U.S. memory-chip manufacturing.
From Barron's ● Sep. 16, 2026
Full EU membership is off the table, but the two sides are discussing deeper cooperation on defense, energy, AI and digital rules, along with certain types of mutual visa-free travel and work arrangements.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026
I joined Farmer on the Brigham’s radiology floor, in a quiet room where he was discussing various patients with younger doctors, mostly residents, who were his students.
From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French
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.
