Main Entry: dis·cuss

Pronunciation: \di-ˈskəs\

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 <discussed plans for the party> c : to talk about
3 obsolete : declare

— dis·cuss·able or dis·cuss·ible \-ˈskə-sə-bəl\ 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>.