discuss

verb

dis·​cuss di-ˈskəs 

discussed; discussing; discusses

transitive verb

1

a

: to talk about

discussing the news of the day

b

: to investigate by reasoning or argument

discuss the matter with your family

c

: to present in detail for examination or consideration

as discussed in the text

2

obsolete : declare

discuss the same in French unto him

—Shakespeare

3

obsolete : dispel

discussable adjective

or discussible

di-ˈskə-sə-bəl 

discusser noun

Synonyms

• agitate
• argue
• bandy
• bat (around or back and forth)
• canvass
• canvas
• debate
• dispute
• hash (over or out)
• moot
• talk over

Choose the Right Synonym for discuss

discuss, argue, debate mean to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince.

discuss implies a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con.

discussed the need for a new highway

argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held.

argued that the project would be too costly

debate suggests formal or public argument between opposing parties

debated the merits of the amendment

; it may also apply to deliberation with oneself.

I'm debating whether I should go

Examples of discuss in a Sentence

She discussed the plan with several colleagues.

They held a meeting to discuss the future of the company.

We'll discuss where to meet later.

Have you discussed the matter with your family?

In the first chapter, the author discusses childcare issues.

The article discusses the theory in depth.

Recent Examples on the Web

Over Zoom, Yost discussed the shocking finale, including three major scenes at the very end, the especially surprising final sequence that could change everything, and what to expect from Season 3. —Barry Levitt, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025

Trump has also discussed taking back the Panama Canal, where China controls two of five ports. —Brad Dress, The Hill, 17 Jan. 2025

The former Michigan governor, Biden and Harris campaign surrogate — and vocal Trump critic — declined to discuss partisan politics in her official capacity as a sitting Cabinet secretary. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025

No formal deals have been signed, but opportunities to raise awareness and funding for common causes have been discussed. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French discusser, from Latin discussus, past participle of discutere to disperse, from dis- apart + quatere to shake — more at dis-, quash

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Kids Definition

discuss

verb

dis·​cuss dis-ˈkəs 

1

: to consider carefully and openly by reasoning or argument

discuss a proposal

2

: to talk about

discuss the weather