discuss
Americanverb (used with object)
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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
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Civil Law.
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to collect a debt from (the person primarily liable) before proceeding against the person secondarily liable.
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to execute against the movable property of (a debtor) before proceeding against the debtor's immovable property, as land.
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Rare. to consume (food or drink) enthusiastically.
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Obsolete. to make known; reveal.
verb
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to have a conversation about; consider by talking over; debate
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to treat (a subject) in speech or writing
the first three volumes discuss basic principles
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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
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discussantnoun
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discussernoun
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discussableadjective
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discussibleadjective
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nondiscussibleadjective
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undiscussableadjective
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undiscussibleadjective
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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discusssimple
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discussessimple
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have discussedperfect
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has discussedperfect
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am discussingprogressive
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are discussingprogressive
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is discussingprogressive
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have been discussingperfect progressive
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has been discussingperfect progressive
Past
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discussedsimple
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had discussedperfect
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was discussingprogressive
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were discussingprogressive
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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
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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 5
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PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade 11)
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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.
Discuss the merits of a life estate with your husband.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 10, 2026
Discuss the lasting impact of online posts, remembering that digital footprints are forever.
From Salon • Oct. 21, 2024
Discuss the issue with your estate planning attorney, but typically all that’s needed is to add the account to the schedule of assets that’s usually at the end of your trust document.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 29, 2024
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
From New York Times • Nov. 16, 2023
Discuss what types of behaviors fall under each of the five categories.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
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.
