discursively.

1. Through a step-by-step process of reasoning rather than immediate insight.

2. In a loosely connected way that moves from topic to topic.

3. Through language and communication that shape how something is understood.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• reason discursively
• think discursively

On the page

The philosopher distinguishes grasping a pattern intuitively from explaining it discursively.

Usage notes

Primary category: academic / formal. Forms: Invariable adverb. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Writing functions: analysis, explanation, qualification. Commonness: uncommon.