noun

discourse

discourse, discussion, treatise

He gave a discourse on modern art.

He gave a discourse on modern art.

The book is a discourse on political theory.

The book is a discourse on political theory.

((on/about sth.)) a long and serious discussion of a subject in speech or writing She wrote a discourse on feminism.

Synonyms: discussion, conversation, speech, treatise

From Latin 'discursus' (a running about), from 'dis-' (apart) + 'currere' (to run). The idea of a conversation 'running' back and forth.

Think of a 'course' of conversation that 'dis-' (runs apart) into different topics.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.