discuss
Definitions
To talk about something with another person or group, considering different points of view
讨论；商议；谈论
Root Breakdown
Root-deriveddis- (apart) + cuss (from quatere, "to shake/strike") literally meant "to shake apart." Romans used discutere for scattering or shattering something by striking it. The metaphor turned intellectual: to shake an idea apart — break a topic into pieces and examine each one. That is what you do when you discuss: not strike it physically, but take it apart in conversation.
Root cuss still carries 6 more wordsWhy It Means This
The leap from "shake apart" to "talk over" surprises people. Picture breaking something into fragments to inspect each piece — discuss does that to ideas, not objects. Note the common mistake: discuss takes a direct object with no preposition. You discuss something, you do not "discuss about" it.
Usage Guide
Transitive, no preposition: "discuss the plan" (NOT "discuss about the plan"). To name the other party, use "discuss X with someone." Slightly more formal than "talk about"; common in academic, business, and news writing.
Example Sentences
- 1.
We need to discuss the budget before the meeting on Friday.
- 2.
The two leaders met to discuss ways to end the conflict.
- 3.
I'd rather not discuss my personal life at work.
Easily Confused
discuss vs argue — Both involve talking through a topic, but discuss is neutral and cooperative (exchanging views), while argue implies disagreement or trying to prove a point. You can discuss calmly; you argue when you clash.