discussion
gb/dɪskˈʌʃən/ us/dɪskˈʌʃən/
B1
English
~ 1000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
talk about a topic
When people talk together about something to share ideas or opinions.
Usage pattern:
a discussion about [topic]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'discussion' with 'argument'. 'Discussion' is not necessarily negative or angry; it can be calm and polite.
Synonyms
conversation (More general; may be casual or unrelated to a specific topic.)
|
dialogue (Often suggests a formal or structured exchange of ideas.)
Antonyms
silence (The absence of talking or exchanging ideas.)
Collocations
have a discussion
|open discussion
|group discussion
|heated discussion
|panel discussion
Themes
communication
|education
|business
|daily_life
Examples
- We had a long discussion about the company's future.
- The teacher encouraged open discussion in the classroom.
- After much discussion, they agreed on a solution.
- A heated discussion broke out during the meeting.
- The panel discussion covered climate change issues.
Learner examples
- We had a discussion about our holiday plans.
- The class had a discussion about the book.
- They had a short discussion before dinner.
- Our teacher started a discussion about animals.
- We had a group discussion in English class.
Noun
formal
B2
action
2
formal review of subject
A careful talk or writing that explains and thinks about something in detail.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this formal sense with casual conversation; here it often appears in academic or professional contexts.
Synonyms
analysis (Focuses more on breaking down and studying parts rather than exchanging views.)
|
examination (Emphasizes close study rather than mutual exchange.)
Antonyms
summary (A brief statement without detailed examination.)
Collocations
critical discussion
|in-depth discussion
|scholarly discussion
Themes
academia
|research
|education
|work
|communication
Examples
- The book includes a thorough discussion of economic theory.
- Her paper offers a critical discussion of recent research findings.
- There will be a panel for scholarly discussion of the results.
Learner examples
- The teacher gave us a detailed discussion of the poem.
- The report has a discussion of the problem.
- His essay has a long discussion of history.
Grammar
Dictionary form
discussion
IPA
GB/dɪskˈʌʃən/
US/dɪskˈʌʃən/
Syllables & stress
dis - cus - sion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cus)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: discussion
- Plural: discussion, discussions
Word family
Forms
discussions
noun
Core family
discuss
verb B1
Negative and opposite forms
undiscussed
adjective
Expressions
heated discussion
1/hˈitɪd dɪskˈʌʃən/
fixed phrase
emotional or intense talk
A talk where people feel strong emotions and may disagree strongly.
Examples
- They had a heated discussion about politics.
- A heated discussion broke out during the debate.
open to discussion
1/ˈoʊpən tə dɪskˈʌʃən/
fixed phrase
subject can be negotiated
It can still be talked about and maybe changed.
Examples
- The budget is still open to discussion.
- All the terms are open to discussion at this stage.
under discussion
1/ˈʌndɚ dɪskˈʌʃən/
fixed phrase
being talked about now
People are talking about it now to decide something.
Examples
- Several proposals are under discussion.
- The matter is still under discussion among the board members.