discourse

Meaning

Noun

1. Verbal exchange, conversation.
2. Expression in words, either speech or writing.
3. A conversation.
4. A formal lengthy exposition of some subject, either spoken or written.
5. Any rational expression, reason.
6. An institutionalized way of thinking, a social boundary defining what can be said about a specific topic (after Michel Foucault).
7. (obsolete) Dealing; transaction.

Verb

1. To engage in discussion or conversation; to converse.
2. To write or speak formally and at length.
3. (obsolete) To debate.
4. To exercise reason; to employ the mind in judging and inferring; to reason.
5. (obsolete) To produce or emit (musical sounds).

Concepts

discourse

talk

speech

conversation

chat

lecture

address

discussion

converse

gossip

words

preaching

sermon

speaking

utterances

speak

talking

treatise

homily

discuss

interview

argument

debate

dispute

remark

utterance

vocable

dissertate

hold forth

talk about

treatment

descant

treat

oration

preach

harangue

colloquy

language

paper

dissertation

essay

thesis

negotiation

topic

controversy

monoloque

verbalization

chatting

gossiping

dilate

dissert

interlocution

parley

recital

enlarge upon

word

expound

statement

communion

parlance

make an address

elocution

colloquium

exposition

presentation

attend to

clear

deal

do by

go about

handle

hash out

hear

manipulate

plow

process

wield

work through

advisement

excogitation

speculation

think

preachification

tirade

disquisition

memoir

study

expatiate

narration

monograph

correspondence course

explanation

say

tell

conversations

conversions

convo

mythos

chatter

dialogue

debates

quarrel

conference

teaching

transmission

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈdɪskɔː(ɹ)s/

Etymology

From Middle English discours, borrowed from Middle French discours (“conversation, speech”), from Latin discursus (“the act of running about”), from Latin discurrō (“run about”), from dis- (“apart”) + currō (“run”). Spelling modified by influence of Middle French cours (“course”). Doublet of discursus.