discourse - Definition | Dictionary definition of discourse

Definition of discourse

extended verbal expression in speech or writing

Types:: context, context of use, linguistic context
discourse that surrounds a language unit and helps to determine its interpretation

Type of:: language unit, linguistic unit
one of the natural units into which linguistic messages can be analyzed

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

Examples:: Sermon on the Mount
the first major discourse delivered by Jesus (Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6:20-49)

Types:: show 5 types...; hide 5 types...; baccalaureate
a farewell sermon to a graduating class at their commencement ceremonies; kerugma, kerygma
preaching the gospel of Christ in the manner of the early church; evangelism
zealous preaching and advocacy of the gospel; televangelism
evangelism at a distance by the use of television; homily, preachment
a sermon on a moral or religious topic

Type of:: address, speech
the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience

an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic

Types:: show 8 types...; hide 8 types...; detail
extended treatment of particulars; dilation
a lengthy discussion (spoken or written) on a particular topic; consideration
a discussion of a topic (as in a meeting); reconsideration
a consideration of a topic (as in a meeting) with a view to changing an earlier decision; talk
discussion; (`talk about' is a less formal alternative for `discussion of'); elaboration, enlargement, expansion
a discussion that provides additional information; expatiation
a discussion (spoken or written) that enlarges on a topic or theme at length or in detail; embellishment, embroidery
elaboration of an interpretation by the use of decorative (sometimes fictitious) detail

Type of:: communicating, communication
the activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information

to consider or examine in speech or writing

Types:: descant
talk at great length about something of one's interest; talk shop
discuss matters that are related to work

Type of:: address, cover, deal, handle, plow, treat
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

carry on a conversation

Types:: show 11 types...; hide 11 types...; argue, contend, debate, fence
have an argument about something; stickle
dispute or argue stubbornly (especially minor points); spar
fight verbally; bicker, brabble, niggle, pettifog, quibble, squabble
argue over petty things; altercate, argufy, dispute, quarrel, scrap
have a disagreement over something; oppose
be against; express opposition to; interview, question
conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting; interview
discuss formally with (somebody) for the purpose of an evaluation; interview
go for an interview in the hope of being hired; chaffer, chat, chatter, chew the fat, chit-chat, chitchat, claver, confab, confabulate, gossip, jaw, natter, shoot the breeze, visit
talk socially without exchanging too much information; jawbone, schmoose, schmooze, shmoose, shmooze
talk idly or casually and in a friendly way

talk at length and formally about a topic