What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discourse
Example
The professor delivered a discourse on the history of philosophy. [discourse: noun]
Example
The book provides a discourse on the cultural significance of art. [discourse: noun]
conversation
Example
We had a great conversation over coffee. [conversation: noun]
Example
I enjoy having conversations with my friends about various topics. [conversation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Conversation is more commonly used than discourse in everyday language. Conversation is a versatile term that covers a wide range of social interactions, while discourse is less common and often associated with academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between discourse and conversation?
Discourse is typically associated with a formal and intellectual tone, while conversation is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
