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discourse

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //dɪsˈkɔːrs//

KK: /ˈdɪskɔrs/

intransitive verb
Definition

To talk or write about a subject in a formal way, often in a detailed manner.


Example

The professor will discourse on the topic of climate change during the lecture.


Tense Forms

Past: discoursed

Past Participle: discoursed


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about the event where people will discourse about local issues?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it sounds interesting and important.
Sloth A
I’d love to join and discourse with others in the community.
Sloth B
Me too! It’s always good to share ideas and listen to different perspectives.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
converse
discuss
speak
Antonyms
silence
mumble
stammer
noun
Definition

A formal discussion or conversation about a specific topic, which can be either spoken or written.


Example

The professor led a discourse on the implications of climate change.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you catch that discourse about climate change on the podcast last night?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was really enlightening how they discussed different viewpoints.
Sloth A
I love how open they were to various opinions during the discourse.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To narrate or discuss something in detail.


Example

The professor will discourse on the topic of ethics during the lecture.


Tense Forms

Past: discoursed

Past Participle: discoursed


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard him discourse about his travels?
Sloth B
No, I haven't. That sounds interesting!
Sloth A
Yeah, he can really bring the stories to life when he discourses.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Discourse is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "currere" (meaning to run). The word describes a running apart of ideas or conversation, indicating a flow of communication that can be both spoken and written.

Memory Tip

Think of ideas 'running apart' ('currere') in conversation, which helps you remember that 'discourse' refers to a flow of communication.

Visually Confused Words
undiscoursed
prediscourse
dishouse
dishorse
disburse
scouse
scorse
disuse
Is this page helpful?
Absolutely! It makes such a difference in understanding the issue better.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
dialogue
discussion
conversation
Antonyms
silence
monologue
reticence
I’d love to hear him talk about it sometime!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
narrate
discuss
relate
Antonyms
silence
suppress
withhold