discursion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely rare/Low frequencyFormal, Literary, Academic (especially philosophical)
Quick answer
What does “discursion” mean?
A digression.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A digression; a deviation from the main subject or path in speech or writing.
A wandering journey or movement from one topic to another; in philosophy, discursive reasoning or thought that proceeds logically from premises to conclusion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally literary/formal in both regions.
Frequency
Extremely uncommon in everyday language in both the UK and US; slightly more likely to be encountered in academic philosophical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “discursion” in a Sentence
a discursion on/upon [topic]a discursion into [area]to engage in discursionVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used rarely in literary criticism, rhetoric, and philosophy to describe a digression in an argument or text.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be used; 'digression' or 'tangent' are standard.
Technical
In philosophy, refers to the process of discursive thought.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “discursion”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “discursion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “discursion”
- Confusing it with 'discourse' (much more common, meaning written/spoken communication).
- Mispronouncing it as /daɪˈskɜːr.ʒən/ (like 'discern').
- Using it in informal contexts where it sounds pretentious.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially, yes, in its core meaning. 'Discursion' is a more formal, literary, and much rarer synonym for 'digression'. 'Digression' is the standard term.
They share the same Latin root (*discurrere*, to run about). 'Discursive' is the more common adjective, meaning 'digressing from subject to subject' or, in philosophy, 'proceeding by reasoning or argument'.
Only if you are writing in a very formal, literary, or philosophical style and wish to vary your vocabulary. In most cases, 'digression', 'tangent', or 'excursus' are safer and more widely understood choices.
It is typically neutral or mildly negative (implying a straying from the point). However, in some literary contexts, a 'rich discursion' might be seen as a positive, enriching feature of a text, adding depth or background.
A digression.
Discursion is usually formal, literary, academic (especially philosophical) in register.
Discursion: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈskəː.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈskɚ.ʒən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none commonly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DIScussion that goes off on a CURSION (like an excursion or a side-trip). It's a discussion that wanders away.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINKING/SPEECH IS A PATH (straying from the path, taking a side road).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'discursion' MOST appropriate?