discursive — passing aimlessly from one subject to another; rambling
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: passing aimlessly from one subject to another; rambling
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈskɜːrsɪv/
Example Sentences
- The politician's discursive speech went from taxes to pizza toppings to his grandmother's cat.
- Her discursive presentation confused the audience who came to learn about marketing.
- The professor's discursive lecture style made students feel like they were on an intellectual roller coaster.
discursive
ADJECTIVE[/dɪˈskɜːrsɪv/]
passing aimlessly from one subject to another; rambling
a woman gestures wildly while talking, pointing in different directions as she speaks. Her friend looks confused, trying to follow along as the conversation shifts rapidly. The woman starts talking about her vacation, then suddenly switches to discussing her pet cat, then jumps to complaining about work. Her facial expressions and hand movements change completely with each new topic. Other coffee shop customers glance over with puzzled looks at the scattered conversation. Some shake their heads while others smile knowingly at the familiar sight. someone passing aimlessly from one subject to another in a rambling manner
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'discursus' meaning 'to run back and forth' or 'to run about.' The word literally described the action of running from place to place, which evolved to describe speech or writing that jumps from topic to topic.
Breakdown
dis- (apart/in different directions) + curs- (to run) + -ive (adjective suffix meaning 'tending to')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The politician's discursive speech went from taxes to pizza toppings to his grandmother's cat.”
“Her discursive presentation confused the audience who came to learn about marketing.”
“The professor's discursive lecture style made students feel like they were on an intellectual roller coaster.”
“The book's discursive nature requires patience from readers who prefer linear narratives.”
📚Related Words
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