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Discursive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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discursive

[dɪˈskɜrsɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

conversation

digressing from subject to subject

Synonyms

digressive, meandering, rambling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
discursive

Used to describe a style of writing or speech that moves from one topic to another in a disorganized or not very focused way.

  • 'His discursive lecture covered many unrelated topics, making it hard to follow
  • '
rambling

Refers to speech or text that is long-winded and confusing, often considered to be negative as it usually leads nowhere specific and lacks clear structure.

  • 'The old man's rambling stories made it difficult to understand what he was aiming to convey
  • '
digressive

Often used in literary or academic contexts to describe narratives or speeches that deviate from the main subject.

  • 'Her digressive storytelling often included side stories that diverted from the main plot
  • '
meandering

Best used to describe a wandering or winding way of speaking or writing, often leading to nowhere specific. It gives the sense of moving slowly and without clear direction.

  • 'His meandering explanation left everyone confused about the main point
  • '

Examples of usage

  • He tended to be discursive when describing his travels.
  • Her discursive style made it hard to follow her arguments.
Context #2 | Adjective

writing

tending to depart from the main point or cover a wide range of subjects

Synonyms

digressive, expansive, rambling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
discursive

Used to describe a way of talking or writing that wanders from topic to topic, often covering a lot of ground but without deep focus. It is commonly applied in academic or critical contexts.

  • The professor's lecture was discursive, addressing various unrelated subjects over the course of an hour.
  • Her essay was criticized for being too discursive and lacking a clear thesis.
rambling

Usually describes speech or writing that is lengthy and confused or difficult to understand. It often has a negative connotation, implying disorganization or lack of focus.

  • His rambling story seemed to go on forever without making much sense.
  • The letter was so rambling that it was hard to follow the main point.
digressive

Typically refers to speech or writing that intentionally strays from the main subject. Often involves a temporary departure from the main topic, sometimes to provide additional information or context.

  • He had a habit of being digressive during meetings, often shifting to personal anecdotes.
  • The book includes several digressive chapters that explore the author's background.
expansive

Implies a broad, extensive, or comprehensive way of discussing things. Often used to describe someone's personality or a discussion that is wide-ranging and open.

  • Her expansive view on the subject included insights from various disciplines.
  • He adopted an expansive approach in his presentation, ensuring to cover all aspects of the issue.

Examples of usage

  • The book was criticized for its discursive nature.
  • In his discursive essay, he explored various themes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Academia

  • Discursive writing is often used in essays and academic papers to explore different viewpoints.
  • In literature, it allows authors to create narratives that traverse multiple themes and ideas, enriching the reader's experience.
  • Critics often debate whether too much discursive technique can lead to a lack of focus in academic arguments.

Psychology

  • Some cognitive theories suggest that discursive thought patterns can help in problem-solving by allowing connections between disparate ideas.
  • For individuals with diverse thinking styles, a discursive approach enables creativity and innovation.
  • However, it can also lead to confusion if the audience struggles to follow the varied ideas presented.

Pop Culture

  • Discursive elements can be found in modern TV shows where characters jump between storylines and topics, giving a richer viewing experience.
  • The rise of podcasts and talk shows reflects a growing appreciation for discursive dialogue in a social context.
  • Stand-up comedy often utilizes a discursive format, where comedians transition between various humorous topics.

Origin of 'discursive'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'discursus,' which means 'to run about' or 'to wander,' reflecting its nature of moving through topics.
  • It entered the English language in the early 17th century, originally used to describe logical reasoning.
  • Related terms include 'discursive reasoning,' which involves drawing conclusions from varied ideas.

The word 'discursive' originated from the Latin word 'discursivus', which means 'running to and fro'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Originally, it was used in the context of reasoning or argumentation, highlighting the idea of moving from one topic to another. Over time, 'discursive' has come to be associated with both spoken and written communication that tends to wander or digress. The word has evolved to represent a style that covers a wide range of topics or shifts away from the main point.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,537, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.