Discourse
/ˈdɪskɔːrs/
Definitions
2 meaningsWritten or spoken communication or debate, especially of a formal or prolonged nature.
/ˈdɪskɔːrs/
Written or spoken communication or debate.
The conference featured stimulating discourse on climate change.
💡 Simply: Imagine a really long conversation or a speech, especially when people are talking about a serious topic. It's like when grown-ups are having a debate about a complicated idea.
👶 For kids: Talking or writing about something important, like when grown-ups have a big talk.
More Examples
His discourse was rambling and difficult to follow.
The book analyzes the political discourse of the time.
How It's Used
"The professor's lecture provided a detailed discourse on the history of philosophy."
"The media is saturated with political discourse surrounding the election."
To speak or write about a topic in a formal and often extended way.
/dɪˈskɔːrs/
To speak or write authoritatively about a topic.
The professor discoursed on the intricacies of quantum physics.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're an expert sharing everything you know about a subject, like giving a really long and detailed presentation.
👶 For kids: To talk or write a lot about something, like you're teaching someone about it.
More Examples
She discoursed upon the history of the region.
He was known to discourse on politics for hours.
How It's Used
"The author discoursed eloquently on the beauty of nature."
"The philosopher discoursed at length on the nature of existence."
Idioms & expressions
public discourse
Communication about topics of general interest, available and accessible to a broad audience.
"The debate over climate change has become a prominent part of the public discourse."
the discourse around
The general discussion, conversation, or commentary that surrounds a particular topic.
"The discourse around artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving."
From Old French *discours*, from Latin *discursus* 'a running about, conversation', from *discurrere* 'to run about', from *dis-* 'apart' + *currere* 'to run'.
The word 'discourse' has been used since the 14th century and originally referred to a running about or a conversation.
Memory tip
Think of a *course* of *discussions* (dis-course).