Definition

The quality of being able to talk or write about many different things in a way that is not focused or direct.

Example

His discursiveness made it hard to follow his main point during the lecture.

Conversation

I found the professor's lecture quite interesting, but a bit too discursiveness for my taste.

Yeah, I noticed that too; he wanders off-topic a lot.

It's hard to follow when he does that, right?

Exactly! I prefer it when the lectures are more focused.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Discursiveness → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "currere" (meaning to run). The word describes a tendency to run apart from the main point, often leading to digression or deviation in speech or writing.

Memory Tip

Think of ideas 'running apart' ('currere') from the main topic ('dis-'), which helps you remember that discursiveness refers to a tendency to stray from the main point.

Visually Confused Words