[dis.cuss] vt [ME, fr. L discussus, pp. of discutere to disperse, fr. dis- apart + quatere to shake--more at dis-, quash] (14c) 1 obs: dispel
2. a: to investigate by reasoning or argument b: to present in detail for examination or consideration "~ed plans for the party" c: to talk about 3 obs: declare -- dis.cuss.able or dis.cuss.ible adj -- dis.cuss.er n syn discuss, argue, debate mean to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince. discuss implies a sifting of possibilities esp. 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".