Meaning & Definition of Discourse in English

1. Extended verbal expression in speech or writing

2. An address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)

3. 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"

1. To consider or examine in speech or writing

• "The author talks about the different aspects of this question"

• "The class discussed dante's `inferno'"

2. Carry on a conversation

3. Talk at length and formally about a topic

• "The speaker dissertated about the social politics in 18th century england"