- Main Entry:
- dis·cuss
- Pronunciation:
- \di-ˈskəs\
- Function:
- transitive verb
- Etymology:
- Middle English, from Anglo-French discusser, Latin discussus, past participle of discutere to disperse, from dis- apart + quatere to shake — more at dis-, quash
- Date:
- 14th century
1obsolete : dispel2 a: to investigate by reasoning or argument b: to present in detail for examination or consideration <discussed plans for the party> c: to talk about3obsolete : declare —
dis·cuss·able or dis·cuss·ible \-ˈskə-sə-bəl\ adjective — dis·cuss·er noun
synonyms discuss,
argue,
debate mean to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince.
discuss implies a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con
<discussed the need for a new highway>.
argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held
<argued that the project would be too costly>.
debate suggests formal or public argument between opposing parties
<debated the merits of the amendment>; it may also apply to deliberation with oneself
<I'm debating whether I should go>.
