v.
Pronunciation: di- ' sk ə s
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French discusser, Latin discussus, past participle of discutere to disperse, from dis- apart + quatere to shake ― more at DIS- , QUASH
Date: 14th century
1 obsolete : DISPEL
2 a : to investigate by reasoning or argument b : to present in detail for examination or consideration < discuss ed plans for the party> c : to talk about
3 obsolete : DECLARE
– dis · cuss · able or dis · cuss · ible \ - ' sk ə -s ə -b ə l \ adjective
– dis · cuss · er noun
synonyms 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>.