discourse
- 01 C1 Advanced
serious speech or writing about a specific subject.
the use of spoken or written language in a social or academic context.
Simple“The professor studied the political discourse of the twentieth century.”
In context“The analysis focuses on how public discourse regarding climate change has shifted from scientific skepticism to urgent policy debate over the last decade.”
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
a long and serious speech or piece of writing on a particular topic.
a formal and lengthy treatment of a subject, either in speech or in writing.
Simple“He published a famous discourse on the nature of democracy.”
In context“Her latest discourse on economic theory challenges the traditional assumptions held by her peers in the department.”
Synonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
the way that a particular group of people or a society talks about a subject.
an institutionalised way of thinking or a social boundary that defines what can be said about a specific topic.
Simple“Medical discourse often uses language that is difficult for patients to understand.”
In context“Foucault explored how dominant medical discourse in the nineteenth century shaped the public's perception of mental health and deviance.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
long and often angry arguments on the internet about social or cultural topics.
lengthy, often heated debate over controversial subject matter within digital fandom or activist communities.
Simple“I had to delete the app because the discourse was becoming too toxic.”
In context“The latest discourse on social media regarding the film's casting choices has overshadowed the actual quality of the production.”
UsageOften used with the definite article as 'the discourse'.
Synonyms
“Discourse online often goes back and forth between fans expressing concern and others saying it’s none of their business and to leave them alone.”
“In countries with greater press freedom and freedom of expression (Taiwan ranked highest on both measures), reductions in hostile online discourse after reform were steeper and more sustained.”
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.