Definition

1. Noun:

   • Extended communication on a particular topic: A formal and often lengthy discussion, analysis, or written work that explores a specific subject in detail.
   • A formal speech or sermon: A structured, often public, address on a serious topic, especially one of a religious or academic nature.
   • Connected speech or writing: Language considered as a continuous stretch of communication, beyond the level of a single sentence.

2. Verb:

   • To speak or write formally and at length about a topic: To deliver a detailed exposition, lecture, or treatise on a subject.
   • To engage in conversation: To talk or communicate with someone in a sustained manner.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The professor's discourse on climate change was both comprehensive and compelling.
  • The book analyzes political discourse in the 19th century.
  • His Sunday discourse focused on themes of forgiveness.

• Verb:

  • The historian discoursed for an hour on the causes of the war.
  • They sat by the fire, discoursing late into the night about art and philosophy.

Advanced Usage

• "Discourse analysis": A method of studying written or spoken language in its social context to understand how meaning is constructed.

  • Her research involves discourse analysis of parliamentary debates.

• "Public discourse": The range of discussions and debates that occur in society on matters of public interest.

  • The issue has dominated public discourse for months.

• "To discourse upon/on": To speak or write in detail about a specific topic. (This is the formal verb pattern).

  • She was invited to discourse upon the future of artificial intelligence.

Variants and Related Words

• Discursive (adj): Digressing from subject to subject; proceeding by argument or reasoning rather than intuition.

  • His writing style is often discursive, covering many related ideas.

• Discourser (n): A person who discourses or lectures. (Archaic/formal)

Synonyms

• Noun: Discussion, treatise, dissertation, lecture, sermon, dialogue.
• Verb: Expound, lecture, hold forth, converse, discuss.

Related Phrases

• "Discourse marker": A word or phrase that helps to structure spoken or written discourse (e.g., "well," "however," "in conclusion").
  • "Furthermore" is a common discourse marker used to add information.

Idioms

(While "discourse" itself is not commonly used in idioms, it is central to the following concept) - "Enter into discourse": To begin a formal discussion or conversation. - The diplomats entered into discourse to resolve the border dispute.

Noun

1. an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
   • the book contains an excellent discussion of modal logic
   • his treatment of the race question is badly biased
2. an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)
3. extended verbal expression in speech or writing

Verb

1. talk at length and formally about a topic
   • The speaker dissertated about the social politics in 18th century England
2. carry on a conversation
3. to consider or examine in speech or writing
   • The author talks about the different aspects of this question
   • The class discussed Dante's `Inferno'