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Discourse vs. Discussion: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 29, 2023
Discourse is a formal, often lengthy, treatment of a subject in speech or writing, while discussion is the act of talking about something with others to reach a decision or exchange ideas.
Discourse vs. Discussion

Key Differences

Discourse typically refers to a formal and organized way of speaking or writing about a particular subject or idea. It often involves a detailed and extensive exploration of a topic. In contrast, a discussion is more about a conversational exchange where ideas, opinions, or arguments are presented and debated among participants.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
In discourse, the focus is often on the presentation of information, ideas, or a narrative, which can be found in lectures, essays, or public speeches. It is usually more structured and prepared than a discussion. On the other hand, a discussion is characterized by its interactive nature, involving two or more people, and is often less formal and more spontaneous.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Discourse can be seen in academic or intellectual settings, where a subject is explored in depth, often by a single speaker or writer. It emphasizes the conveyance of ideas and information. Discussions, however, are more common in everyday conversations, meetings, or debates, where multiple viewpoints are expressed and considered.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
The purpose of discourse is often to inform, educate, or persuade, and it may not necessarily involve immediate feedback or interaction from the audience. In contrast, a discussion is inherently interactive, aiming at mutual understanding, problem-solving, or decision-making through the exchange of ideas.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Discourse can take various forms, such as political discourse, literary discourse, or scientific discourse, each with its own conventions and styles. Discussions, however, are more versatile and can occur in any setting where people wish to deliberate, negotiate, or simply exchange views on various topics.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Comparison Chart

Nature

Formal, often lengthy and detailed
Interactive, conversational
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Dec 29, 2023

Setting

Academic, intellectual, public speeches
Everyday conversations, meetings, debates
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Dec 29, 2023

Purpose

To inform, educate, persuade
To exchange ideas, solve problems, decide
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Dec 29, 2023

Structure

Structured, often by a single speaker/writer
Spontaneous, involves multiple viewpoints
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Audience Interaction

Limited, mostly one-way communication
High, interactive and dialogic
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Discourse and Discussion Definitions

Discourse

A formal and extended expression of thought on a subject.
The professor's discourse on climate change was enlightening.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Discussion

An exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue.
Their discussion on the book offered diverse perspectives.
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Dec 29, 2023

Discourse

A mode of organizing knowledge, ideas, or experience.
The literary discourse shaped the narrative of the novel.
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Dec 29, 2023

Discussion

The action or process of talking about something to reach a decision or exchange ideas.
The team had a productive discussion about the new project.
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Dec 29, 2023

Discourse

Verbal expression in speech or writing
Political discourse.
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Discussion

A detailed treatment of a topic in speech or writing.
The article prompted a widespread discussion in the academic community.
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Dec 29, 2023

Discourse

Verbal exchange or conversation
Listened to their discourse on foreign policy.
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Oct 19, 2023

Discussion

A conversation or debate about a specific topic.
The panel had a lively discussion on environmental issues.
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Dec 29, 2023

Discourse

A series of connected remarks about a subject.
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Oct 19, 2023

Discussion

A consideration of a question in open and usually informal debate.
The discussion at the town hall meeting raised important points.
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Dec 29, 2023

Discourse

A formal, lengthy treatment of a subject, either written or spoken.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discussion

Consideration of a subject by a group; an earnest conversation.
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Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

(Archaic) The process or power of reasoning.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discussion

A formal discourse on a topic; an exposition.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

To speak or write formally and at length.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discussion

Conversation or debate concerning a particular topic.
There was then a long discussion of whether to capitalize words like "east".
This topic is not open to discussion.
My discussion with the professor was very enlightening.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

To engage in conversation or discussion; converse
“The two men walked around the city and discoursed on its antiquities” (Michael Wood).
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Oct 19, 2023

Discussion

Text giving further detail on a subject.
Under each heading, you will find a discussion.
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Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

To narrate or discuss.
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Discussion

The dispersion of a tumour.
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Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

Verbal exchange, conversation.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discussion

The act or process of discussing by breaking up, or dispersing, as a tumor, or the like.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

(uncountable) Expression in words, either speech or writing.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discussion

The act of discussing or exchanging reasons; examination by argument; debate; disputation; agitation.
The liberty of discussion is the great safeguard of all other liberties.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

(countable) A formal lengthy exposition of some subject, either spoken or written.
The preacher gave us a long discourse on duty.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discussion

An extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic;
The book contains an excellent discussion of modal logic
His treatment of the race question is badly biased
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

(countable) Any rational expression, reason.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discussion

An exchange of views on some topic;
We had a good discussion
We had a word or two about it
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

An institutionalized way of thinking, a social boundary defining what can be said about a specific topic (after Michel Foucault).
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Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

(obsolete) Dealing; transaction.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

(intransitive) To engage in discussion or conversation; to converse.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

(intransitive) To write or speak formally and at length.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

To debate.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

To exercise reason; to employ the mind in judging and inferring; to reason.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

To produce or emit (musical sounds).
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Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

The power of the mind to reason or infer by running, as it were, from one fact or reason to another, and deriving a conclusion; an exercise or act of this power; reasoning; range of reasoning faculty.
Difficult, strange, and harsh to the discourses of natural reason.
Sure he that made us with such large discourse,Looking before and after, gave us notThat capability and godlike reasonTo fust in us unused.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

Conversation; talk.
In their discourses after supper.
Filling the head with variety of thoughts, and the mouth with copious discourse.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

The art and manner of speaking and conversing.
Of excellent breeding, admirable discourse.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

Consecutive speech, either written or unwritten, on a given line of thought; speech; treatise; dissertation; sermon, etc.; as, the preacher gave us a long discourse on duty.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

Dealing; transaction.
Good Captain Bessus, tell us the discourseBetwixt Tigranes and our king, and howWe got the victory.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

To exercise reason; to employ the mind in judging and inferring; to reason.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

To express one's self in oral discourse; to expose one's views; to talk in a continuous or formal manner; to hold forth; to speak; to converse.
Bid me discourse, I will enchant thine ear.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

To relate something; to tell.
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Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

To treat of something in writing and formally.
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Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

To treat of; to expose or set forth in language.
The life of William Tyndale . . . is sufficiently and at large discoursed in the book.
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Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

To utter or give forth; to speak.
It will discourse most eloquent music.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

To talk to; to confer with.
I have spoken to my brother, who is the patron, to discourse the minister about it.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

Extended verbal expression in speech or writing
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

An address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)
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Discourse

An extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic;
The book contains an excellent discussion of modal logic
His treatment of the race question is badly biased
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

To consider or examine in speech or writing;
The article covered all the different aspects of this question
The class discussed Dante's `Inferno'
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Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

Carry on a conversation
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Discourse

Talk or hold forth formally about a topic;
The speaker dissertated about the social politics in 18th century England
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Oct 19, 2023

Discourse

Written or spoken communication or debate.
The discourse between the experts shaped public opinion.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Discourse

A long and serious treatment or discussion on a particular topic.
His discourse on economic policies was well-received.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Discourse

A formal discussion of a topic in speech or writing.
Her discourse on human rights was impactful and thought-provoking.
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Dec 29, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

How is discourse different from discussion?

Discourse is more formal and detailed, while discussion is conversational and interactive.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

What settings are common for discussions?

Meetings, debates, and casual conversations often involve discussions.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

What are examples of discourse?

Academic lectures, political speeches, and published essays are examples.
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Dec 29, 2023

Can a discussion lead to a decision?

Yes, discussions often aim at decision-making or problem-solving.
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Dec 29, 2023

Is audience participation important in discussion?

Yes, audience interaction is a key element of discussions.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Do discussions require multiple participants?

Typically, yes, as they involve the exchange of ideas.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

What defines a discussion?

A discussion is an interactive conversation or debate about a specific topic.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Is discussion always informal?

Not always, but it tends to be more informal than discourse.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

What is discourse?

It's a formal, detailed expression of thought on a subject, often in speech or writing.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Is discourse one-way communication?

It can be, especially in lectures or written texts.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Can discourse be part of a discussion?

Yes, formal discourse can be part of a discussion, especially in structured settings.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Is expertise required for discourse?

In academic or professional discourse, expertise is often expected.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Are discussions informal debates?

They can be, though discussions are not always structured as formal debates.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Can discussions be spontaneous?

Yes, discussions can be unplanned and spontaneous.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Are there different types of discourse?

Yes, including political, scientific, and literary discourse.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Can discourse be interactive?

It's less common, but some forms of discourse, like debates, can be interactive.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Can discourse be personal?

It's usually more impersonal and focuses on the subject matter.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Do discussions always involve opposing views?

Not necessarily, but they often include different perspectives.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

How long can discourse last?

Discourse can be quite lengthy, especially in academic or formal settings.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

How does discourse influence society?

It can shape public opinion, inform, and educate on various topics.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

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Shumaila Saeed
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Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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