discourse discourse /ˈdɪskɔrs/

noun

1. () Extended verbal expression in speech or writing  ( discourse )
   extended verbal expression in speech or writing
    The author's discourse on the topic was enlightening and sparked a great debate among scholars.
   The author's discourse on the topic was enlightening and sparked a great debate among scholars.
   
   
2. An extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic  ( discourse , treatment , discussion )
   an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
    The book contains an excellent discussion of modal logic
   the book contains an excellent discussion of modal logic
    His treatment of the race question is badly biased
   his treatment of the race question is badly biased
   
3. (church service) an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)  ( discourse , sermon , preaching )
   (church service) an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)
     The preacher delivered a powerful sermon on forgiveness.
   The preacher delivered a powerful sermon on forgiveness.
   

verb

1. Talk at length and formally about a topic  ( discourse , dissertate , hold forth )
   talk at length and formally about a topic
    The speaker dissertated about the social politics in 18th century England
   The speaker dissertated about the social politics in 18th century England
   
2. Carry on a conversation  ( discourse , converse )
   carry on a conversation
     We sat at the coffee shop and enjoyed a pleasant conversation.
   We sat at the coffee shop and enjoyed a pleasant conversation.
   
3. To consider or examine in speech or writing  ( discourse , talk about , discuss )
   to consider or examine in speech or writing
    The author talks about the different aspects of this question
   The author talks about the different aspects of this question
    The class discussed Dante's Inferno'
   The class discussed Dante's Inferno'