discussion
discussion
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling:
/dɪˈskʌʃən/
di-: /dɪ/ (dih)
scus-: /skʌʃ/ (skush)
sion: /ən/ (uhn)
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: discussion
Plural: discussions
Verb (related):
discuss (base form)
discusses (third-person singular present)
discussing (present participle)
discussed (past tense, past participle)
Adjective (related):
discussable (though less common than "debatable" or "arguable")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition 1: A formal or informal exchange of ideas, opinions, or information between two or more individuals, often with the aim of exploring a topic, reaching a conclusion, or resolving an issue.
Synonyms: conversation, dialogue, debate, consultation, conference, colloquy, deliberation, discourse
Antonyms: silence, monologue, agreement (when discussion implies disagreement), avoidance, suppression
Definition 2: The act or process of talking about something, or the specific instance of such an exchange.
Synonyms: talks, parley, confabulation, powwow, argument (in the sense of a reasoned exchange, not necessarily a quarrel)
Antonyms: quiet, soliloquy, non-communication, unilateralism
Examples of Use
Books: "The book delves into a detailed discussion of quantum mechanics, making complex concepts accessible to a wider audience." (From A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking, April 1988)
Newspapers: "City council members engaged in a heated discussion last night regarding the proposed budget cuts to public education." (As seen in The New York Times)
Online Publications: "In an online forum, there was much discussion about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on employment." (From an article on Wired)
Entertainment Mediums (Film): "The film features several scenes of intense discussion between the detective and the suspect, slowly revealing the truth." (As might be described in a review of a legal drama)
Entertainment Platforms (Podcast): "On this week's episode, we have an engaging discussion with a leading expert on climate change, exploring solutions and challenges." (Heard on "The Daily" podcast, June 2024)
General Public Discourse: "After the community meeting, there was a lot of discussion among residents about the new zoning regulations and how they might affect property values."
General Public Discourse: "Let's have an open discussion about our team's performance; I want to hear everyone's honest feedback."
10 Quotes Using Discussion
"I believe in the power of discussion to bring about understanding." (Original Quote)
"Through sincere discussion, great insights can be uncovered." (Original Quote)
"A lively discussion often leads to innovative solutions." (Original Quote)
"Respectful discussion is fundamental to any collaborative effort." (Original Quote)
"Every important decision should be preceded by thorough discussion." (Original Quote)
"The best way to learn is often through active discussion." (Original Quote)
"A good discussion clears the air and fosters clarity." (Original Quote)
"Healthy discussion allows for the exploration of diverse viewpoints." (Original Quote)
"Constructive discussion is essential for personal and collective growth." (Original Quote)
"The art of discussion lies in listening as much as speaking." (Original Quote)
Etymology
The word "discussion" has a fascinating journey through languages!
It comes from the Latin word discutere, which originally meant "to dash to pieces," "to agitate," or "to shake apart." Think of it like taking something and shaking it until all its individual parts fall out.
Over time, this meaning evolved. In Late Latin and Medieval Latin, it started to be used metaphorically to mean "to investigate" or "to examine." Imagine shaking apart an idea or a problem to look at all its different angles.
From there, it moved into Old French as discussion, keeping that sense of "examination" or "investigation," even being used for legal trials.
The first known use of "discussion" in English dates back to the Middle English period (before 1425). At this time, its meaning was still largely aligned with "examination" or "investigation," sometimes even referring to a judicial trial.
It wasn't until the mid-15th century that the more common modern meaning of "a talking over" or "debating" a topic came into regular use. So, the idea of "taking things apart" to examine them gradually shifted to "talking things over" to explore different aspects of a topic.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Discussion
Open for discussion: Meaning a topic or idea is available for people to talk about and consider.
Under discussion: Indicating that a topic is currently being talked about or debated.
In discussion with someone/something: Actively engaged in a conversation or negotiation.
Beyond discussion: Something that is so clear or agreed upon that it doesn't need to be talked about anymore.
Lead a discussion: To guide and moderate a conversation among a group.
A lively discussion: A conversation that is energetic and involves many different viewpoints.
A heated discussion: An intense argument or debate, often with strong feelings.
To table a discussion: (primarily US English) To postpone a discussion until a later time.
To put something up for discussion: To introduce a topic or proposal for others to talk about.
To bring something to the discussion: To introduce a new point or idea into a conversation.
To shut down discussion: To prevent further conversation or debate on a topic.
A frank discussion: An honest and direct conversation.
A productive discussion: A conversation that leads to useful outcomes or understanding.
The elephant in the room discussion: Addressing an obvious but unacknowledged problem or issue. (Using a synonym, "conversation" for a similar effect).
To hash out an issue: To discuss a problem in detail until a solution is found. (Using a synonym, "discuss" for a similar effect).
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of discussion from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
