What does "discuss" mean?
To converse or debate concerning a particular topic.
Discuss
/dɪˈskʌs/ verb, slang
verb, slang ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To converse or debate concerning a particular topic.
- Grammar: discuss is listed as verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: talk about, talk over, address an envelope, address number.
- Useful contrasts: lectures, lecturing, lecturing only.
- Usage evidence: Let's discuss your love problems on the way back from school.
How to use "discuss"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "discuss" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "discuss" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "discuss" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "discuss" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "discuss" is acting as verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "talk about" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "discuss", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To converse or debate concerning a particular topic. transitive
"Let's sit down and discuss whether we should have a baby."
- 2 speak with others about (something); talk (something) over in detail; have a discussion wordnet
- 3 To communicate, tell, or disclose (information, a message, etc.). obsolete, transitive
"Nym: I will discuss the humour of this love to Page."
- 4 to consider or examine in speech or writing wordnet
- 5 To break to pieces; to shatter. obsolete, transitive
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 To deal with, in eating or drinking; consume. colloquial, obsolete, transitive
"When the preparations were finished, he invited me with—“Now, sir, bring forward your chair.” And we all, including the rustic youth, drew round the table: an austere silence prevailing while we discussed our meal."
- 7 To examine or search thoroughly; to exhaust a remedy against, as against a principal debtor before proceeding against the surety. transitive
- 8 To drive away, disperse, shake off; said especially of tumors. obsolete, transitive
"For she was giuen all to fleshly lust, / And poured forth in sensuall delight, / That all regard of shame she had discust, / And meet respect of honour put to flight […]"
Synonyms
All synonyms talk abouttalk overaddress an envelopeaddress numberaddress reading difficultyadvise with
Antonyms
Example
"Let's discuss your love problems on the way back from school."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "discuss"?
Common synonyms include: talk about, talk over, address an envelope, address number, address reading difficulty, advise with.
How do you use "discuss" in a sentence?
Let's discuss your love problems on the way back from school.
How do you pronounce "discuss"?
Pronounced /dɪˈskʌs/.
Etymology
From Middle English discussen, from Middle French and Anglo-Norman discusser (French discuter), from Latin discussus, past participle of discutiō (“to strike or shake apart, break up, scatter; examine, discuss”), from dis- (“apart”) + quatiō (“to shake”).