Word
Definitions
01conversation or debate
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. a conversation where people share different ideas or opinions about something.
n. the action or process of talking about something in order to reach a decision or exchange ideas. Often used with the prepositions 'about' or 'on'.
“We had a long discussion about where to go for our summer holiday.”
“The board entered into a heated discussion regarding the proposed budget cuts, with several members expressing strong opposition to the plan.”
Usage
Commonly follows verbs like 'have', 'hold', or 'lead'.
Pitfall
We discussed about the problem for hours.
We had a discussion about the problem.
The verb 'discuss' takes a direct object with no preposition, but the noun 'discussion' requires 'about' or 'on'.
Synonyms
02written analysis
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Education Academic
n. a part of a book or report that explains a subject in detail.
n. a formal treatment of a topic in speech or writing, specifically the section of an academic paper that interprets results.
“The final chapter of the book includes a discussion of modern art.”
“In the discussion section of the thesis, the author evaluates the implications of the data and suggests areas for future research.”
Usage
Often appears as a heading in scientific and academic papers.
Synonyms
03medical dispersion
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Medicine Archaic · Technical
n. the process of a swelling or a lump going away.
n. the dispersion or resolution of a tumour or swelling. This sense is largely restricted to historical medical texts.
“The doctor monitored the discussion of the swelling after the treatment.”
“Nineteenth-century medical journals often detailed the successful discussion of tumours through the application of specific topical ointments.”
Teaching tip
This sense is archaic; modern medical professionals use 'resolution' or 'reduction' instead.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “discussion” in context.
Confusables
An argument involves conflict or a heated disagreement, while a discussion is a neutral exchange of ideas.
RememberArgument = Anger. Discussion = Dialogue.
Real-World Examples
“The talks, the first official bilateral discussions devoted exclusively to AI between the U.S. and China since U.S. President Donald Trump took office for a second time, will be led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the U.S. side, the sources, who were briefed on the planning, said on condition of anonymity.” “When the situation is over in the Middle East we are going to have an open and frank discussion with the British government," he said as he arrived for an EU leaders' summit in Brussels.” “There are various issues between South Korea and the United States, and they are sometimes affecting each other," the official said, adding that semiconductors were part of investment-related matters under discussion.” “I don't, actually. I think that this can be resolved and should be resolved through calm discussion.” Etymology
From Old French discussion, from Late Latin discussiō, from Latin discutiō. By surface analysis, discuss + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/discussion
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0