disquisition
UK: ˌdɪskwɪˈzɪʃən | US: ˌdɪskwɪˈzɪʃən
n. a formal, lengthy, or systematic inquiry or examination of a subject.
n. an elaborate analytical essay or discourse.
disquisition = dis<apart, thoroughly> + quisit<seek, ask> + ion<noun suffix>
- dis (from Latin dis-, meaning "apart" or "thoroughly")
- quisit (from Latin quaesit-, past participle stem of quaerere, meaning "to seek" or "to ask")
- ion (noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process)
Etymology Origin:
The word disquisition originates from Latin disquisitio, derived from disquirere ("to investigate thoroughly"), combining dis- (intensive prefix) and quaerere ("to seek"). It entered English in the late 16th century, retaining its scholarly connotation of a methodical examination or written analysis. The morphemes reflect a logical progression: breaking apart (dis-) a topic by seeking (quisit) answers, resulting in a formal study (-ion).
His disquisition on medieval philosophy impressed the academic panel.
The book includes a lengthy disquisition on the origins of language.
She delivered a disquisition on climate change at the conference.
The professor’s disquisition covered every aspect of the theory.
A disquisition of this depth requires extensive research.