What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discoursed
Example
The professor discoursed on the history of philosophy for three hours. [discoursed: verb]
Example
The conference featured several discourses on the latest developments in technology. [discourses: noun]
converse
Example
I enjoy having a good converse with my friends over coffee. [converse: noun]
Example
We spent the evening conversing about our favorite books and movies. [conversing: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Converse is more commonly used than discourse in everyday language. Converse is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while discourse is less common and refers to a formal and structured talk or presentation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between discoursed and converse?
Discourse is typically associated with a formal and academic tone, while converse is more casual and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.