discussion
C1 (Very High Frequency)Neutral to formal. Common in all registers from everyday conversation to academic discourse.
Definition
Meaning
A serious conversation about a subject in which people express different ideas and opinions.
The process of talking about something in detail, or a written treatment of a topic, often to reach a decision or to explore different aspects.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies an exchange of views, not just one person talking. Can range from casual chat to structured debate. Often has a goal (decision, understanding, exploration).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use identically. Spelling: 'discussion' in both. The derived verb 'discuss' is never followed by 'about' in standard usage in either variety (e.g., 'We discussed the plan', not 'discussed about the plan').
Connotations
Identical. Neutral term for formal or informal talk.
Frequency
Equally frequent and central in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Discussion about/on/concerning sthDiscussion between A and BDiscussion of sthDiscussion that + clause (e.g., The discussion that followed was intense.)Discussion + preposition (e.g., after much discussion)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A moot point for discussion”
- “The matter under discussion”
- “Beyond discussion (settled)”
- “A discussion point”
- “To table a discussion (US: postpone; UK: propose)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for meetings where options are weighed. E.g., 'After lengthy discussion, the board approved the merger.'
Academic
A section of a paper analyzing findings or a seminar format. E.g., 'The discussion chapter interprets the data in light of existing theory.'
Everyday
Talking about plans or issues with friends/family. E.g., 'We had a discussion about where to go on holiday.'
Technical
In computing, refers to forum threads (e.g., 'GitHub discussion'). In law, the analysis section of a legal opinion.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The committee will discuss the proposal next Tuesday.
- We discussed at length whether to renovate or move.
American English
- The team discussed the new strategy in detail.
- Let's discuss your options before you decide.
adverb
British English
- He spoke discussionally, inviting others to contribute.
- (Rarely used; 'conversationally' is more common.)
American English
- She presented her points discussionally, not dogmatically.
- (Rarely used; 'dialogically' might be used in academic contexts.)
adjective
British English
- She is very discussion-oriented and loves a good debate.
- The discussion-based seminar was stimulating.
American English
- He has excellent discussion skills in meetings.
- It was more of a discussion forum than a lecture.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We had a discussion in class today.
- The discussion was about animals.
- My parents had a discussion about our holiday.
- After a brief discussion, we decided to go to the cinema.
- The main topic of discussion was climate change.
- Let's have a group discussion to share our ideas.
- The panel discussion that followed the lecture was surprisingly heated.
- His remarks sparked a lively discussion on social media.
- The proposal is still under discussion and no decision has been made.
- The academic paper concluded with a nuanced discussion of the ethical implications.
- Diplomatic discussions between the two nations are ongoing but fragile.
- Her thesis defence included a rigorous discussion of the methodology's limitations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'discussion' as a CUSHION for ideas: you put different ideas on it (DIS-CUSHION) to examine them softly or vigorously.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISCUSSION IS A JOURNEY (We've covered a lot of ground in this discussion.), DISCUSSION IS WAR (He shot down all my arguments in the discussion.), DISCUSSION IS A CONTAINER (The discussion was full of interesting points.)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'обсуждение' as 'discussion about'. Use 'discussion of' or 'discussion on'. (Incorrect: 'We had a discussion about the problem.' Correct: 'We discussed the problem.' or 'We had a discussion of the problem.')
- Do not use 'argument' as a direct synonym for 'discussion'. 'Argument' implies a quarrel.
- 'Debate' is more formal and structured than 'discussion'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'discussion about' instead of 'discussion of' or the verb 'discuss' directly. (e.g., 'We had a discussion about politics' is common but less formal; 'We discussed politics' is preferred.)
- Confusing 'discussion' (neutral) with 'argument' (negative, quarrelsome).
- Misspelling as 'discusion' (missing one 's').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate use of 'discussion'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The verb 'discuss' is transitive and does not need 'about'. Correct: 'We discussed the project.' Incorrect: 'We discussed about the project.' However, the noun 'discussion' can be followed by 'about', 'on', or 'of' (e.g., 'a discussion about/on/of the project').
A 'discussion' is a general exchange of views, which can be informal and cooperative. A 'debate' is a more formal, structured contest of opposing arguments, often with rules and the aim of winning a point.
Yes, in some contexts. As an activity or process, it can be uncountable (e.g., 'Further discussion is needed.'). When referring to a specific instance, it is countable (e.g., 'We had several discussions last week.').
It is a formal phrase meaning 'being talked about or considered officially'. For example, 'The new policy is currently under discussion by the committee.'
Collections
Part of a collection
Media and Communication
B1 · 50 words · Language for discussing media and communication.
Debate Vocabulary
B2 · 48 words · Language for constructing arguments and discussions.