How to pronounce discourse
Say it like DIS-kors. Discourse has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DIS).
- DIS
- kors
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Discourse pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DISSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- korsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of discourse
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: DIS-kaws.
What does discourse mean?
- extended verbal expression in speech or writing
- an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)
- an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic“the book contains an excellent discussion of modal logic”“his treatment of the race question is badly biased”
- to consider or examine in speech or writing“The author talks about the different aspects of this question”“The class discussed Dante's `Inferno'”
- carry on a conversation
- talk at length and formally about a topic“The speaker dissertated about the social politics in 18th century England”
Where does discourse come from?
From Middle English discours, borrowed from Middle French discours (“conversation, speech”), from Latin discursus (“the act of running about”), from Latin discurrō (“run about”), from dis- (“apart”) + currō (“run”).
Questions about saying discourse
How do you pronounce discourse?
Say DIS-kors. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɪskɔrs/. In British English it is /ˈdɪskɔːs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in discourse?
Discourse has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DIS). Broken into parts: DIS · kors.
Is discourse pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈdɪskɔːs/ (DIS-kaws).