extended verbal expression in speech or writing
"The academic journal published an extensive discourse on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence."
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"
Verbal exchange, conversation.
"The morning discourse between the two friends turned out to be more about their shared childhood than current events."
In plain English: Discourse is a formal way of describing a conversation, discussion, or written argument about a specific topic.
"The academic discourse on climate change has intensified in recent years."
Usage: Use discourse as a formal synonym for speech or writing rather than casual talk like chat or gossip. It often refers to an extended intellectual debate on a specific subject instead of simple back-and-forth dialogue.
to consider or examine in speech or writing
"The author talks about the different aspects of this question"
"The class discussed Dante's `Inferno'"
talk at length and formally about a topic
"The speaker dissertated about the social politics in 18th century England"
To engage in discussion or conversation; to converse.
"The two colleagues decided to pause their work and have a brief discourse about their weekend plans."
In plain English: To discourse means to talk about something for a long time, often focusing on just one specific topic.
"The professor will discourse on the history of ancient Rome during his lecture."
The word discourse entered English via the Middle French term for "conversation" or "speech." It ultimately traces back to a Latin verb meaning "to run about," which described the act of moving from one point to another in thought or speech.