discursive
UK: dɪˈskɜː.sɪv | US: dɪˈskɝː.sɪv
adj. 1. (of speech or writing) covering a wide range of topics, often in a way that lacks focus.
adj. 2. proceeding by argument or reasoning rather than intuition.
discursive = dis<apart> + curs<run> + ive<adjective suffix>
- dis (Latin prefix meaning "apart" or "away")
- curs (from Latin currere, meaning "to run")
- ive (suffix forming adjectives, indicating tendency or relation)
Etymology Origin:
The word discursive originates from the Latin discursivus, derived from discurrere ("to run about"). The root currere ("to run") metaphorically evolved to describe ideas or speech that "runs apart" or wanders across topics. Over time, it acquired its modern sense of digressive or expansive reasoning, reflecting a logical progression from physical movement to abstract thought patterns.
Her essay was criticized for being too discursive, jumping from one idea to another without clear transitions.
Philosophers often employ discursive reasoning to explore complex theories.
The lecturer's discursive style made it hard for students to follow the main argument.
His writing is richly discursive, weaving together history, science, and personal anecdotes.
The debate became discursive, straying far from the original topic.