Discuss vs. Discus — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 22, 2024
"Discuss" is a verb meaning to talk about a topic in detail, while "discus" is a noun referring to a heavy, flat circular object thrown in track and field competitions.
Difference Between Discuss and Discus
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Discuss" is used as a verb in English, indicating the action of speaking about something with someone to reach a clearer understanding or to exchange ideas. On the other hand, "discus" refers to a sport equipment piece used in athletic competitions, specifically in events involving throwing a large, heavy disc.
When you discuss a topic, you engage in conversation, often involving various viewpoints and potentially leading to a debate or dialogue. Whereas, the discus is involved in a physical activity that tests strength and technique, with athletes competing to throw it the farthest.
The term "discuss" can be applied in a variety of contexts, from casual conversations to formal debates and educational settings, emphasizing verbal and intellectual engagement. In contrast, "discus" is primarily associated with sports and physical education, highlighting physical skill and athletic ability.
"Discuss" involves interaction between two or more people and is an essential part of communication in both personal and professional settings. On the other hand, throwing a discus is a solitary activity in a competitive setting, focusing on individual performance rather than interaction.
While "discuss" is a dynamic process that can change based on the participants' input and can lead to new insights or decisions, the sport of throwing the discus is governed by strict rules and techniques that have been standardized in track and field competitions.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Noun
Meaning
To talk about, debate, or consider
A heavy lenticular disc thrown in sport
Usage Context
Communication, education, business
Sports, athletics
Interaction Type
Social, verbal
Physical, individual
Outcome
Insight, resolution, understanding
Measurement of distance, competition
Compare with Definitions
Discuss
Speak with others about (something); talk (something) over in detail; have a discussion;
We discussed our household budget
Discus
A track and field event involving the throwing of a discus.
She won the gold medal in discus at the state championships.
Discuss
To talk through or debate an issue with the purpose of reaching a conclusion.
Let's discuss the pros and cons before making a decision.
Discus
The sport or activity of throwing a discus as far as possible.
Discus requires both strength and precise technique.
Discuss
To speak about a topic with someone or exchange opinions.
They will discuss the new project proposal in tomorrow's meeting.
Discus
Equipment used specifically in one type of athletic field event.
The new discus is made of a composite material for better performance.
Discuss
To engage in a conversation or debate about a specific topic.
The panel will discuss the future of renewable energy.
Discus
A traditional field event in both ancient and modern Olympic Games.
The discus throw has been part of the Olympics since ancient times.
Discuss
To deliberate or consider the various aspects of a subject.
We need to discuss your performance and areas for improvement.
Discus
A heavy, flat circular object thrown in athletics competitions.
He trained daily to improve his discus throw technique.
Discuss
Talk about (something) with a person or people
They were discussing where to go for a drink
I discussed the matter with my wife
Discus
A heavy thick-centred disc thrown by an athlete, in ancient Greek games or in modern field events.
Discuss
To speak with another or others about; talk over
Discussed the matter briefly.
Discus
A small colourful South American freshwater fish with a rounded laterally compressed body, native to South America and popular in aquariums.
Discuss
To examine or consider (a subject) in speech or writing
The book discusses the challenges that journalists face today.
Discus
A disk, typically wooden, plastic, or rubber with a metal rim, that is thrown for distance in athletic competitions.
Discuss
To speak with another or others about something
As we discussed yesterday, the problem could have more than one solution.
Discus
A track-and-field event in which a discus is thrown.
Discuss
To examine or consider a subject in speech or writing.
Discus
Pl. discus Any of several small colorful South American freshwater fish of the genus Symphysodon that have a disk-shaped body and are popular in home aquariums.
Discuss
To come to an agreement as a result of a discussion
As we discussed, you will clean your room before going out.
Discus
Something resembling a flat circular plate; a disk.
Discuss
(transitive) To converse or debate concerning a particular topic.
Let's sit down and discuss this rationally.
I don't wish to discuss this further. Let's talk about something else.
Discus
A round plate-like object that is thrown for sport.
Discuss
To communicate, tell, or disclose (information, a message, etc.).
Discus
(uncountable) The athletics sport of discus throwing.
Discuss
To break to pieces; to shatter.
Discus
(plural: discus) A discus fish (genus Symphysodon)
Discuss
To deal with, in eating or drinking; consume.
Discus
A chakram.
Discuss
To examine or search thoroughly; to exhaust a remedy against, as against a principal debtor before proceeding against the surety.
Discus
A quoit; a circular plate of some heavy material intended to be pitched or hurled as a trial of strength and skill.
Discuss
To drive away, disperse, shake off; said especially of tumors.
Discus
A disk. See Disk.
Discuss
To break to pieces; to shatter.
Discus
An athletic competition in which a disc-shaped object is thrown as far as possible
Discuss
To break up; to disperse; to scatter; to dissipate; to drive away; - said especially of tumors.
Many arts were used to discuss the beginnings of new affection.
A pomade . . . of virtue to discuss pimples.
Discus
A disk used in throwing competitions
Discuss
To shake; to put away; to finish.
All regard of shame she had discussed.
Discuss
To examine in detail or by disputation; to reason upon by presenting favorable and adverse considerations; to debate; to sift; to investigate; to ventilate.
Discuss
To deal with, in eating or drinking.
We sat quietly down and discussed a cold fowl that we had brought with us.
Discuss
To examine or search thoroughly; to exhaust a remedy against, as against a principal debtor before proceeding against the surety.
Discuss
To consider or examine in speech or writing;
The article covered all the different aspects of this question
The class discussed Dante's `Inferno'
Common Curiosities
Can the term "discuss" be used in formal settings?
Yes, "discuss" is appropriate in both formal and informal settings to indicate dialogue or debate.
What types of issues are typically discussed in a business meeting?
Business meetings often discuss topics like strategy, performance, goals, and project updates.
What does it mean to discuss something?
To discuss something means to talk about it thoroughly in order to explore or decide on an issue.
Where does the word "discuss" come from?
"Discuss" originates from the Latin "discutere," which means to shake apart or disperse, metaphorically relating to examining a topic by breaking it down.
How do discussions impact decision-making?
Discussions can provide multiple perspectives and lead to more informed decisions through collaborative thinking.
What is a discus used for?
A discus is used in athletics, specifically in the track and field event where athletes compete by throwing it as far as possible.
Is discus a team sport?
No, discus is an individual sport where athletes compete separately to achieve the longest throw.
What skills are necessary for discus throwing?
Discus throwing requires physical strength, proper technique, and coordination.
How is the weight of a discus determined?
The weight of a discus is standardized depending on the level of competition and the gender of the athlete.
Can discussions be informal?
Yes, discussions can be informal, such as chatting about daily events or personal opinions.
Are there any specific techniques in discus throw?
Yes, techniques in discus throwing include proper grip, stance, rotational movement, and release.
What is the historical significance of the discus throw?
The discus throw dates back to ancient Greece and was one of the events in the ancient Olympic Games, symbolizing strength and skill.
What materials are modern discuses made from?
Modern discuses are typically made from materials like wood with a metal rim or entirely from metal.
How do discussions help in education?
Discussions in education help deepen understanding, encourage critical thinking, and facilitate active learning.
Is the discus event included in all major athletics competitions?
Yes, the discus throw is a standard event in major athletics competitions, including the Olympics and World Championships.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
