Words / C2

di-SKURS-iv/dɪˈskɜːsɪv/

Discursive writing wanders from topic to topic: a discursive essay, too discursive for a timed paper. Discussion is the noun for talk; discursive is the adjective for rambling structure. Focused and linear are useful opposites. In some exam boards discursive essay means “discuss both sides” — check the rubric.

Meaning

Wandering from topic to topic in speech or writing, rather than staying on one line (formal).

Examples

• “The lecture was interesting but too discursive for a timed exam.”
• “Keep the report tight; the draft is still discursive.”
• “Her emails are witty and hopelessly discursive.”

Good to know

discursive = rambling from topic to topic. Exam rubric may mean “discuss”. Opposite: focused.

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