What does "disquisition" mean?
A methodical inquiry or investigation.
Disquisition
/ˌdɪskwɪˈzɪʃ(ə)n/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A methodical inquiry or investigation.
- Grammar: disquisition is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: apercu, article, assignment, causerie.
- Useful contrasts: briefing, short work, summary.
- Usage evidence: Upon the subject of leases, as I wish to avoid all disquisitions which concern the kingdom at large, as much as the county of Lincoln in particular, it will be necessary only to remark, that great as have been improvements in it, I have not the least doubt they would have been much greater and more rapid, had the custom of granting leases been as common here as it is in Norfolk or Suffolk.
How to use "disquisition"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "disquisition" 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
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- 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 "disquisition" 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 "disquisition" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "disquisition" is acting as noun 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 "apercu" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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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
Noun
- 1 A methodical inquiry or investigation.
"Near-synonym: inquisition"
- 2 an elaborate analytical or explanatory essay or discussion wordnet
- 3 A lengthy, formal discourse that analyses or explains some topic; (loosely) a dissertation or treatise.
"Upon this account political diſquiſitions, if juſt, and reasonable, and practicable, are of all the works of ſpeculation the most uſeful."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Upon the subject of leases, as I wish to avoid all disquisitions which concern the kingdom at large, as much as the county of Lincoln in particular, it will be necessary only to remark, that great as have been improvements in it, I have not the least doubt they would have been much greater and more rapid, had the custom of granting leases been as common here as it is in Norfolk or Suffolk."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "disquisition"?
Common synonyms include: apercu, article, assignment, causerie, chalk talk, descant.
How do you use "disquisition" in a sentence?
Upon the subject of leases, as I wish to avoid all disquisitions which concern the kingdom at large, as much as the county of Lincoln in particular, it will be necessary only to remark, that great as have been improvements in it, I have not the least doubt they would have been much greater and more rapid, had the custom of granting leases been as common here as it is in Norfolk or Suffolk.
How do you pronounce "disquisition"?
Pronounced /ˌdɪskwɪˈzɪʃ(ə)n/.
Etymology
Borrowed from French disquisition (“disquisition”), from Latin disquīsītiō (“inquiry, investigation”), from disquīrō (“to investigate”) (from dis- (prefix meaning ‘apart, asunder’) + quaerō (“to look for, seek; to inquire, question”)) + -tiō (suffix forming nouns relating to an action or the result of an action).