də̇ˈskər]s]iv, -kə̄], -kəi], ]ēv also ]z] or ]əv adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin discursivus, from Latin discursus + -ivus -ive
1.
a. : passing from one topic to another : ranging over a wide field : rambling , digressive , desultory , chatty
a sprawling book, discursive and prolix — Brendan Gill
b. : proceeding logically or coherently from topic to topic
no flaming into meaning but a steady discursive commentary in the course of which the meaning is eloquently conveyed — David Daiches
2. : reasoning from premises to conclusions or proceeding from particulars to generalizations : utilizing or based upon analytical reasoning — contrasted with intuitive
3. : passing from one place to another : roaming , roving
entered into a life eternally discursive in search of superior grazing lands — J.B.Cabell & A.J.Hanna
• dis·cur·sive·ly ]ə̇vlē, -li adverb
• dis·cur·sive·ness ]ivnə̇s, ]ēv- also ]əv- noun -es