discursive

discursive (dɪˈskɜːsɪv)

—*adj*
1.	passing from one topic to another, usually in an unmethodical way; digressive
2.	philosophy Compare dianoetic of or relating to knowledge obtained by reason and argument rather than intuition

[C16: from Medieval Latin discursīvus, from Late Latin discursusdiscourse]

dis'cursively

—*adv*

dis'cursiveness

—n

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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

discursive

1590s, from M.Fr. discursif, from M.L. discursivus, from L. discursus "a running about" (see discourse). Related: Discursively.

Example sentences

Medical students, for example, will have to answer discursive questions on

biology.

Our shortcoming-forgive the academic jargon-is discursive.

How he did it is a fascinating, discursive story.

Further, what words "mean" alters by cultural, political and

discursive context.

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Related Words

dianoia discursion

ramble rambling

Matching Quote

"There is one principal and as it were radical distinction between different minds, in respect of philosophy and the sciences; which is this: that some minds are stronger and apter to mark the differences of things, others to mark their resemblances. The steady and acute mind can fix its contemplations and dwell and fasten on the subtlest distinctions: the lofty and discursive mind recognises and puts together the finest and most general resemblances. Both kinds however easily err in excess, by catching the one at gradations, the other at shadows."

-Francis Bacon