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Added 9 October 2026

discourse

/ˈdɪs.kɔːs/ noun

In Latin: sermōcinor Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about discourse at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Extended verbal expression in speech or writing.
An address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service).
An extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic.
the book contains an excellent discussion of modal logic

verb

To consider or examine in speech or writing.
The author talks about the different aspects of this question
Carry on a conversation.
Talk at length and formally about a topic.
The speaker dissertated about the social politics in 18th century England

Origin

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.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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