discourse (redirected from discourses)

dis·course  (dskôrs, -krs)

n.

1. Verbal expression in speech or writing.

2. Verbal exchange; conversation.

3. A formal, lengthy discussion of a subject, either written or spoken.

4. Archaic The process or power of reasoning.

v. (d-skôrs, -skrs) dis·coursed, dis·cours·ing, dis·cours·es

v.intr.

1. To speak or write formally and at length. See Synonyms at speak.

2. To engage in conversation or discussion; converse.

v.tr. Archaic

To narrate or discuss.

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[Middle English discours, process of reasoning, from Medieval Latin discursus, from Latin, a running about, from past participle of discurrere, to run about : dis-, apart; see dis- + currere, to run; see kers- in Indo-European roots.]

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dis·courser n.

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discourse

Noun

1. conversation

2. a formal treatment of a subject in speech or writing

Verb

[-coursing, -coursed]

to speak or write (about) at length [Medieval Latin discursus argument]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	discourse - extended verbal expression in speech or writing language unit, linguistic unit - one of the natural units into which linguistic messages can be analyzed context, context of use, linguistic context - discourse that surrounds a language unit and helps to determine its interpretation
	2.	discourse - an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service) preaching, sermon church service, church - a service conducted in a house of worship; "don't be late for church" speech, address - the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience; "he listened to an address on minor Roman poets" baccalaureate - a farewell sermon to a graduating class at their commencement ceremonies kerugma, kerygma - preaching the gospel of Christ in the manner of the early church evangelism - zealous preaching and advocacy of the gospel homily, preachment - a sermon on a moral or religious topic
	3.	discourse - 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" discussion, treatment communicating, communication - the activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information; "they could not act without official communication from Moscow" detail - extended treatment of particulars; "the essay contained too much detail" dilation - a lengthy discussion (spoken or written) on a particular topic consideration - a discussion of a topic (as in a meeting); "consideration of the traffic problem took more than an hour" talk - discussion; (`talk about' is a less formal alternative for `discussion of'); "his poetry contains much talk about love and anger" elaboration, enlargement, expansion - a discussion that provides additional information
Verb	1.	discourse - to consider or examine in speech or writing; "The author talks about the different aspects of this question"; "The class discussed Dante's `Inferno'" discuss, talk about deal, plow, handle, treat, cover, address - act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression; "This book deals with incest"; "The course covered all of Western Civilization"; "The new book treats the history of China" descant - talk at great length about something of one's interest talk shop - discuss matters that are related to work; "As soon as they met, the linguists started to talk shop"
	2.	discourse - carry on a conversation converse argue, contend, debate, fence - have an argument about something interview, question - conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting interview - discuss formally with (somebody) for the purpose of an evaluation; "We interviewed the job candidates" interview - go for an interview in the hope of being hired; "The job candidate interviewed everywhere" talk, speak - exchange thoughts; talk with; "We often talk business"; "Actions talk louder than words" chew the fat, chit-chat, chitchat, claver, confab, jaw, natter, shoot the breeze, chat, chaffer, confabulate, gossip, chatter, visit - talk socially without exchanging too much information; "the men were sitting in the cafe and shooting the breeze"
	3.	discourse - talk at length and formally about a topic; "The speaker dissertated about the social politics in 18th century England" dissertate, hold forth talk, speak - exchange thoughts; talk with; "We often talk business"; "Actions talk louder than words"

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discourse

noun 1. conversation, talk, discussion, speech, communication, chat, dialogue, converse

noun 2. speech, talk, address, essay, lecture, sermon, treatise, dissertation, homily, oration, disquisition, whaikorero N.Z.