IPA: //dɪsˈkɔːrs//
KK: /ˈdɪskɔrs/
To talk or write about a subject in a formal way, often in a detailed manner.
The professor will discourse on the topic of climate change during the lecture.
Past: discoursed
Past Participle: discoursed
A formal discussion or conversation about a specific topic, which can be either spoken or written.
The professor led a discourse on the implications of climate change.
To narrate or discuss something in detail.
The professor will discourse on the topic of ethics during the lecture.
Past: discoursed
Past Participle: discoursed
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.
Think of ideas 'running apart' ('currere') in conversation, which helps you remember that 'discourse' refers to a flow of communication.