discourse

Language used in speech or writing, especially to discuss a particular subject.

• The article examines political discourse.
• Her research focuses on spoken discourse in classrooms.
• Social media has changed public discourse about health.

Similar words: communication

Common phrases: political discourse, public discourse, written discourse

A conversation or exchange of ideas between people.

• Their discourse remained polite.
• The guests enjoyed friendly discourse over dinner.
• Civil discourse became difficult when tempers rose.

How to use it: discourse with someone (She enjoyed a quiet discourse with her guests.)

Similar words: conversation, discussion, dialogue

Common phrases: civil discourse, friendly discourse, discourse with someone

A long, serious speech or piece of writing about a subject.

• The professor delivered a lengthy discourse.
• Her discourse on freedom filled several pages.
• We listened to a formal discourse about the history of law.

How to use it: discourse on something (He gave a discourse on ancient philosophy.)

Similar words: lecture, address, treatise

Common phrases: discourse on something, lengthy discourse, deliver a discourse

Reasoned thought or the ability to think logically.

• He believed discourse could reveal the truth.
• She trusted discourse rather than blind belief.
• The philosopher described the human power of discourse.

Similar words: reason, reasoning

Common phrases: discourse of reason, rational discourse

To speak or write seriously about a subject for a long time.

• The professor discoursed on ancient Rome.
• She discoursed at length about the meaning of freedom.
• His latest essay discourses upon the nature of beauty.

How to use it: discourse on something (The speaker discoursed on the history of art.)

Similar words: expound, lecture

Common phrases: discourse on something, discourse at length, discourse upon something

To talk and exchange ideas with someone.

• The guests discoursed quietly.
• She discoursed with an old friend in the garden.
• They spent the evening discoursing about politics.

How to use it: discourse with someone (He discoursed with his friends until midnight.); discourse about something (They discoursed about the events of the day.)

Similar words: converse, talk, chat

Common phrases: discourse with someone, discourse together, discourse about something