What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discursively
Example
The professor spoke discursively for hours, covering many topics but never getting to the point. [discursively: adverb]
Example
Her essay was written discursively, with many tangents and digressions. [discursively: adverb]
conversely
Example
She loves dogs; conversely, her sister is allergic to them. [conversely: adverb]
Example
While some people enjoy spicy food, others conversely prefer milder flavors. [conversely: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Conversely is more commonly used than discursively in everyday language. Conversely is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while discursively is less common and has a more specific meaning.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between discursively and conversely?
Both discursively and conversely are useful in academic writing and formal speech. However, discursively has a negative connotation and may be seen as informal or unprofessional in certain contexts.