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Synonyms

discuss

American  
[dih-skuhs] / dɪˈskʌs /

verb (used with object)

  1. to consider or examine by argument, comment, etc.; talk over or write about, especially to explore solutions; debate.

    to discuss the proposed law on taxes.

    Synonyms:
    deliberate, reason
  2. Civil Law.

    1. to collect a debt from (the person primarily liable) before proceeding against the person secondarily liable.

    2. to execute against the movable property of (a debtor) before proceeding against the debtor's immovable property, as land.

  3. Rare. to consume (food or drink) enthusiastically.

  4. Obsolete. to make known; reveal.


discuss British  
/ dɪˈskʌs /

verb

  1. to have a conversation about; consider by talking over; debate

  2. to treat (a subject) in speech or writing

    the first three volumes discuss basic principles

  3. facetious to eat or drink with enthusiasm

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What does discuss mean? Discuss means to have a conversation about or talk about a particular topic, especially to examine it more closely, debate it, or figure out a solution.You can discuss something with another person or multiple people, or you can discuss something by talking or writing about it for an audience. Discuss tends to be used in contexts in which the topic is at least somewhat serious. The noun form of discuss is discussion.Example: Listen, class, the purpose of breaking into small groups is to discuss your projects—not to chat about your personal life.

Other Word Forms

  • discussable adjective
  • discussant noun
  • discusser noun
  • discussible adjective
  • nondiscussible adjective
  • overdiscuss verb (used with object)
  • prediscuss verb (used with object)
  • rediscuss verb (used with object)
  • undiscussable adjective
  • undiscussible adjective

Etymology

Origin of discuss

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, either from Anglo-French discusser or directly from Latin discussus “struck asunder, shaken, scattered,” past participle of discutere, equivalent to dis- dis- 1 + -cutere (combining form of quatere “to shake, strike”)

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In 2025, replying to AFP's question, Putin said he did "not even wish to discuss" the idea Israel might assassinate Iran's Khamenei.

From Barron's

Storrie discussed growing up in Texas, working as a waiter before he was cast in the series, and how little time he had to prepare to play a Russian hockey player for the show.

From Los Angeles Times

House Democrats are holding a meeting on Sunday evening to discuss their response to the military campaign, according to two sources who spoke on background to discuss the plans.

From BBC

Downing Street's public account of what was discussed was, to put it gently, rather broad: "They discussed the situation in the Middle East," the readout said.

From BBC

Some are now discussing opening their airspace for U.S. military use as Iran continues to target their countries, Arab officials said.

From The Wall Street Journal