Definition of "discourse" in English

noun

1. (uncountable, archaic) Verbal exchange, conversation.

2. (uncountable) Expression in words, either speech or writing.

3. (countable) A conversation.

4. (countable) A formal lengthy exposition of some subject, either spoken or written.

   • The preacher gave us a long discourse on duty.

5. (countable) Any rational expression, reason.

6. (social sciences, countable) An institutionalized way of thinking, a social boundary defining what can be said about a specific topic (after Michel Foucault).

7. (Internet, uncountable) Lengthy, often heated debate over controversial subject matter, particularly within fandom and activist spaces. Sometimes rendered as a proper noun with the definite article (i.e. "the Discourse").

8. (obsolete) Dealing; transaction.

verb

1. (intransitive) To engage in discussion or conversation; to converse.

2. (intransitive) To write or speak formally and at length.

3. (obsolete, transitive) To debate.

4. To exercise reason; to employ the mind in judging and inferring; to reason.

5. (obsolete, transitive) To produce or emit (musical sounds).