Discourse — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈdi-ˌskȯrs/ dis·course

Meaning & Definition of Discourse

Discourse (noun)

  1. verbal interchange of ideas; especially, conversation
  2. formal and orderly and usually extended expression of thought on a subject; broadly, expression of ideas
  3. connected speech or writing longer than a sentence

Discourse (verb)

  1. to express oneself especially orally and at length
  2. talk, converse
  3. play, perform

Discourse (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. talking or a talk between two or more people

    "Thomas Jefferson is said to have been able to participate in knowledgeable discourse on a breathtaking array of subjects"

    similar: chat, colloquy, conversation, converse, dialogue, discussion, exchange
    related: banter, chaff, cross fire, give-and-take, persiflage, raillery, repartee, conference, parley, babble, chatter, chin-wag (slang), chitchat, confabulation, gabfest, gossip, natter (chiefly British), palaver, prate, prattle, rap, small talk, table talk, round-robin, roundtable, symposium, debate, deliberation

Discourse (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to give a formal often extended talk on a subject

    "the guest lecturer discoursed at some length on the long-term results of the war"

    similar: declaim, descant, expatiate, harangue, lecture, orate, speak, talk, hold forth, take the floor
    related: recite, soliloquize, dissert, expound, pontificate, sermonize, mouth, spout, filibuster

  2. to talk as if giving an important and formal speech

    "grandly discoursed as though he were an expert on every subject"

    similar: declaim, harangue, mouth (off), orate, perorate
    related: rant, rave, bloviate, blow, lecture, preach, sermonize, advertise, announce, broadcast, declare, proclaim, pronounce, speak, speechify, talk

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Discourse

The most common words with a similar meaning to Discourse:

chat, colloquy, conversation, converse, dialogue, discussion, exchange, declaim, descant, expatiate, harangue, lecture, orate, speak, talk, mouth (off), perorate, hold forth, take the floor

Related Words for Discourse

banter, chaff, cross fire, give-and-take, persiflage, raillery, repartee, conference, parley, babble, chatter, chin-wag, chitchat, confabulation, gabfest, gossip, natter, palaver, prate, prattle, rap, small talk, table talk, round-robin, roundtable, symposium, debate, deliberation, recite, soliloquize

Word Forms of Discourse

Inflections: discoursed, discoursing

Derived words: discourser (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Discourse

Middle English discours "capacity for reasoning," borrowed (with assimilation to cours course:1 and other derivatives) from Medieval Latin discursus, going back to Late Latin, "exchange of ideas," going back to Latin, "action of running in different directions," from discurrere "to run off in different directions, (of the mind or a speaker) branch out, range," from dis- dis- + currere "to run" current:1

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Discourse

Words & Phrases Containing Discourse

discourse analysis, universe of discourse

Frequently Asked Questions about Discourse

What does "Discourse" mean?

"Discourse" means verbal interchange of ideas; especially, conversation. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: verbal interchange of ideas; especially, conversation. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Discourse"?

Other words for "Discourse" include chat, colloquy, conversation, converse, dialogue, discussion, exchange and declaim. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Discourse" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Discourse"?

There are 68 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Discourse". Common alternatives include chat, colloquy, conversation, converse, dialogue, discussion, exchange, declaim, descant and expatiate.

How do you use "Discourse" in a sentence?

Examples of "Discourse" in a sentence: "Thomas Jefferson is said to have been able to participate in knowledgeable discourse on a breathtaking array of subjects"; "the guest lecturer discoursed at some length on the long-term results of the war"; "grandly discoursed as though he were an expert on every subject".

Is "Discourse" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Discourse" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Discourse" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Discourse" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Discourse"?

"Discourse" is pronounced /ˈdi-ˌskȯrs/ and divided into syllables as dis·course.

What is the origin of the word "Discourse"?

"Discourse" comes from Middle English discours "capacity for reasoning," borrowed (with assimilation to cours course:1 and other derivatives) from Medieval Latin discursus, going back to Late Latin, "exchange of ideas," going back to Latin, "action of running in different directions," from discurrere "to run off in different directions, (of the mind or a speaker) branch out, range," from dis- dis- + currere "to run" current:1. First known use: 15th century.