discursively

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "discursively" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb that means speaking or writing about something in a logical and organized manner. For example: "The professor discussed the topic discursively, making sure to emphasize the main points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Discursively, this paradigm was accompanied by scientization of nature discourses, which saw the word nature increasingly replaced by the environment and which went hand in hand with a progressive rationalization of natural resource use.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His style changed too, from the semirigorous and formally organized propositions of the Tractatus to sets of loosely connected paragraphs and remarks in which ideas are often conveyed not discursively but by suggestion and example.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I began to write less discursively, more puzzlingly, I suppose less wittily," he told The Paris Review.

The New York Times - Books

This approach performs an ideological function, in that it discursively integrates the current upheaval into a pre-existing approved ideological narrative – the dictatorships of the Middle East are merely the latest in a long line of tyrannies to have been undermined by the relentless march of progress and liberal democracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was the longevity of Rhodes's career, and, discursively, Jimmy Anderson reaching 450 Test wickets at Chester-le-Street over the last weekend and becoming the No1 ranked Test bowler, that got me thinking of something that once entertained us for a short while regarding Middlesex.

The Guardian - Sport

"People using the term 'evil' all sound the same," comments Rose, in a piece that shows off her discursively probing style to best effect.

The Guardian - Books

In his hypnotic Zona (Canongate £16.99), the year's best book on cinema, Geoff Dyer discursively explores a personal obsession with Andrei Tarkovsky's Stalker that began when he saw a still from the movie in the Observer.

The Guardian - Books

Harris treats her Jovean subject discursively, intelligently and with flair.

The Guardian - Books

In recent years, there has been Spielberg's Lincoln, which deals at least discursively with the issue of slavery, and Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained, which is rather more explicit.

The Guardian - Film

George Orwell's "1984" was trotted out, discursively, and quickly retired.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Our souls gain true knowledge by the presence of Nous, although Nous knows non-discursively while our souls characteristically know in a discursive way (V. 9. 7; IV. 3.18).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "discursively" when you want to emphasize a comprehensive and methodical approach to a topic, ensuring all relevant angles are explored.

Common error

Avoid using "discursively" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler adverbs like "thoroughly" or "in detail" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "discursively" functions primarily to modify verbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It specifies that something is done in a comprehensive, methodical, and often detailed way. As Ludwig suggests, the word is used to describe how something is said or written.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "discursively" signifies a methodical and thorough approach to a subject. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently encountered in academic and news contexts, denoting detailed exploration. While "discursively" is a valuable term for formal writing, simpler alternatives might be preferable in casual settings. Remember to use "discursively" when you want to emphasize the comprehensive nature of an analysis or discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a detailed way

Highlights the level of detail and specificity in the discussion.

thoroughly

Focuses on the completeness and exhaustiveness of the treatment.

in a comprehensive manner

Emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of the discussion.

logically

Implies a clear and rational sequence of ideas.

in a digressive way

Focuses on the tendency to stray from the main topic.

analytically

Stresses the use of logical reasoning and critical thinking.

in a rambling manner

This alternative emphasizes the wandering or unfocused nature of the discussion.

methodically

Implies a systematic and organized approach.

at length

Implies a lengthy and detailed discussion, without necessarily being organized.

in a roundabout way

This suggests approaching a topic indirectly.

FAQs

How can I use "discursively" in a sentence?

You can use "discursively" to describe a thorough and methodical discussion or exploration of a topic. For example, "The professor addressed the issue "discursively", leaving no stone unturned."

What are some alternatives to using "discursively"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "thoroughly", "comprehensively", or "in detail".

Is it appropriate to use "discursively" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "discursively" is generally better suited for formal writing or academic discussions. In casual settings, simpler alternatives are often preferred.

What is the difference between "discursively" and "ramblingly"?

"Discursively" implies a structured and comprehensive approach, while "ramblingly" suggests a disorganized and unfocused manner of speaking or writing.