| The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000. |
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| discuss |
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| SYLLABICATION: | dis·cuss |
| PRONUNCIATION: |  d -sk s |
| TRANSITIVE VERB: | Inflected forms: dis·cussed, dis·cuss·ing, dis·cuss·es
1. To speak with another or others about; talk over. 2. To examine or consider (a subject) in speech or writing. | | ETYMOLOGY: | Middle English discussen, to examine, from Anglo-Norman discusser, from Latin discussus, past participle of discutere, to break up : dis-, apart; see dis– + quatere, to shake; see kw t- in Appendix I. | | OTHER FORMS: | dis·cussa·ble, dis·cussi·ble —ADJECTIVE
dis·cusser —NOUN
| | SYNONYMS: | discuss, argue, debate, dispute, contend These verbs mean to talk with others in an effort to reach agreement, to ascertain truth, or to convince. Discuss involves close examination of a subject with interchange of opinions: My therapist discussed my concerns with my parents. Argue emphasizes the presentation of facts and reasons in support of a position opposed by others: The lawyer argued the plaintiff's case. Debate involves formal, often public argument: The candidates debated the campaign issues. Dispute implies differences of opinion and usually sharp argument: The senators disputed over increases in the proposed budget. To contend is to strive in debate or controversy: She contended that her theory was easily proven.
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| The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. |
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