French word

discussion

Pronunciation

IPA/diskysjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nountalk

Example

On a eu une discussion hier soir.

We had a talk last night.

Illustration for discussion (talk)

More examples

Ils ont eu une discussion animée au travail.

They had a lively discussion at work.

Core concept

A shared verbal space where speakers take turns presenting ideas and testing their value together.

Common phrases

  • avoir une discussion

    have a discussion

  • entamer une discussion

    begin a discussion

  • une discussion animée

    a lively discussion

Similar words

conversation: Casual everyday talk between people.
échange: A brief mutual exchange of opinions or information.
débat: A discussion of an issue in which positions are clearly argued.
dispute: An emotional argument between people.

Definition in French

La discussion est un échange oral centré sur l'exposition et l'examen d'idées entre plusieurs interlocuteurs.

Word origin

The noun developed from Latin discussio through Old French discuter, retaining the sense of careful examination found in Latin discutere.

Usage tips

  • French discussion often describes an ordinary talk as well as a serious examination of ideas, while débat more strongly suggests opposing positions.

Other meanings

  • argumentnoun
  • debatenoun
  • consultationnoun

Opposites

  • silencesilencenoun
  • monologuemonologuenoun

Related words

  • discuterdiscussverb
  • discutabledebatableadjective

Word lists with this word