discuss
Formsdiscusses, discussing, discussed
- 1To talk about a topic with other people, sharing different ideas.
Like tossing ideas back and forth between friends.
We need to discuss the plan before we start.
They discussed the problem for an hour.
UsageSay discuss the plan, not
incorrect: discuss about the plan. Talk with people: discuss it with a friend.Similardebate
- 2To write or talk about a subject in detail, looking at different ideas about it.
In my report, I discuss three ways our town could save water.
The last chapter of the book discusses why the dinosaurs died out.
UsageA book or talk can discuss a topic. Put the topic right after it: the book discusses dinosaurs.
Similarexamine, explore, consider, address, treat
Note
- 3To tell or make known a piece of news or information.
Nym: I will discuss the humour of this love to Page.
c. 1597, William Shakespeare, “The Merry Wiues of Windsor”Here, discuss means to tell or make something known.Pistol: Discuss unto me; art thou officer? Or art thou base, common and popular?
1599, William Shakespeare, “The Life of Henry the Fift”Here, discuss means to tell or explain.Note
Less common meanings
- 4To eat or drink something up, especially with enjoyment.
We sat quietly down and discussed a cold fowl that we had brought with us.
1854, Samuel White Baker, The Rifle and the Hound in CeylonHere, discussed means ate with enjoyment.In the first room we entered, a soldier and a man, like a clerk or dominie, were discussing a bottle of red wine; they immediately sprang up and politely proffered us each a bumper.
1858, James Hogg, TitanHere, discussing means drinking with enjoyment.Note
- 5To break something into many pieces, or smash it apart.
Note
- 6To make something go away or break up, especially a swelling or growth.
Many arts were used to discuss the beginnings of new affliction.
1642, Henry Wotton, A Short View of the Life and Death of George VilliersHere, discuss means to drive away or get rid of.Note
- 7To search carefully, or to use every legal step against the person who owes money before others who promised to pay.
Use it in a sentence
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Origin
From Latin discutio, meaning to shake apart and also to examine. It came into English through French.
Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 4 facts
- Discuss derives ultimately from Latin discutio. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin discutio means to shake apart. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin discutio also means to examine. en.wiktionary.org
- Discuss came into English through French. en.wiktionary.org