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discursively

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /dɪsˈkɜːsɪvli/

KK: /dɪsˈkɜːrsɪvli/

adverb
Definition

In a way that involves discussion or reasoning, often moving from one topic to another without a strict structure.


Example

The professor spoke discursively, covering various topics in a single lecture.


Conversation
Sloth A
I love how some authors write so discursively in their novels.
Sloth B
Yeah, it really helps to develop the characters and settings.
Sloth A
Exactly! It makes the story feel more alive and engaging.
Sloth B
For sure, it allows the readers to connect on a deeper level.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
rambling
digressive
meandering
Antonyms
concise
direct
focused
Root Explanation

Discursively → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "currere" (meaning to run). The word describes a manner of speaking or writing that moves from one topic to another in a way that is not linear, hence running apart from a central theme.

Memory Tip

Think of 'running apart' ('currere' means to run and 'dis-' means apart) to remember that 'discursively' refers to a way of discussing topics that diverges from a main point.

Visually Confused Words
decursively
cursively
undiscursive
dissuasively
dispersively
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