discourse
/ˈdɪskɔːs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdɪskɔːrs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdi-ˌskȯrs di-ˈskȯrs/ (ame, mw) · /ˈdɪs.kɔːs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdɪs.kɔːrs/ (ame, ipa)
discourse — noun
- discoursesingular
- discoursesplural
1. serious conversation or debate in which people exchange ideas and arguments, oft
serious conversation or debate in which people exchange ideas and arguments, often about important social, political, or academic matters.
A healthy discourse between opposing political parties is essential for any functioning democracy.
discourse + between [participants]
The conference provided a space for open discourse on human rights issues in the region.
Social media has changed the nature of public discourse by allowing anyone to join the conversation.
The committee encouraged rational discourse rather than personal attacks during the hearing.
- debate
more structured and often oppositional; discourse can be cooperative
- dialogue
emphasizes two-way exchange; discourse can be one-directional
- discussion
less formal and more common in everyday use
文法句型
discourse + about/on/regarding [topic]
discourse + between [participants]
用法筆記
Unlike sense 3, this sense describes an event or process of discussion — an exchange of views between people. It is uncountable and often modified by adjectives such as 'open,' 'civil,' 'public,' or 'political.'
常見錯誤
2. a lengthy spoken or written text in which a particular subject is examined in a
a lengthy spoken or written text in which a particular subject is examined in a serious, organized manner.
Professor Amira delivered a thoughtful discourse on the ethics of artificial intelligence.
a discourse + on [topic] — countable
The philosopher's written discourse covered centuries of moral thought in under fifty pages.
Each chapter of the book is a separate discourse examining a different aspect of modern education.
Dr. Okafor published a discourse on sustainable farming practices in East Africa.
文法句型
a discourse + on/about [topic]
用法筆記
This is the only noun sense that is countable — you can say 'a discourse' or 'discourses.' It is distinguished from sense 1 by referring to a single piece of communication (a lecture, an essay, a treatise) rather than an interactive exchange between people.
常見錯誤
3. the way people use written or spoken language to express meaning, especially whe
the way people use written or spoken language to express meaning, especially when considering a stretch of text or conversation as a connected whole rather than as isolated sentences.
The linguist analyzed the political leader's discourse for hidden persuasive techniques.
uncountable noun describing connected language
Classroom discourse between teachers and students follows certain rules that differ from casual talk.
Her research focuses on how gender is constructed through everyday discourse.
A shift in public discourse on climate change has made the issue harder to ignore.
- communication
broader term covering any exchange of meaning, not just connected language
- language
more general; discourse specifically emphasizes language in actual use rather than as an abstract system
文法句型
discourse + about/on [topic]
用法筆記
This sense is the most technical and is commonly found in academic writing, especially in linguistics, sociology, and cultural studies. Unlike sense 1, it does not refer to a single event of discussion but to language as a broader system or practice.
常見錯誤
discourse — verb
- discoursepresent simple I / you / we / they
- discourses3rd person singular
- discoursing-ing form
- discoursedpast simple
1. to deliver a lengthy formal talk or produce detailed writing that examines a par
to deliver a lengthy formal talk or produce detailed writing that examines a particular topic and demonstrates thorough understanding of it.
The historian discoursed on the causes of the French Revolution for nearly two hours.
discourse + on [topic] — formal intransitive
In his latest book, the philosopher discourses at length about the nature of consciousness.
Professor Élise discoursed upon the relationship between architecture and social power.
The panelists discoursed about the future of renewable energy with impressive depth.
- expound
similar formality, suggests explaining in detail
- lecture
implies speaking to an audience; discourse can be written
- hold forth
informal, sometimes critical of someone speaking too long
文法句型
discourse + on/about/upon [topic]
用法筆記
This verb is highly formal and rarely used in everyday conversation. It typically implies that the speaker or writer is an expert and that the treatment of the subject is thorough. The verb 'speak' or 'lecture' is preferred in most contexts.
常見錯誤
2. to engage in an exchange of ideas with someone through talking, in a serious or
to engage in an exchange of ideas with someone through talking, in a serious or thoughtful manner.
The two scholars discoursed with each other late into the night about philosophy.
discourse + with [someone]
At the cafe, Tamar and Hoa discoursed over coffee about their shared research interests.
The leaders discoursed privately before the formal negotiations began.
Ravi and Chen discoursed pleasantly on art and music throughout the long dinner.
文法句型
discourse + with [someone]
用法筆記
This sense emphasizes mutual exchange rather than one person speaking at length. However, it remains a formal word; in everyday English, 'talk,' 'chat,' or 'discuss' are far more common.