Kicking it off

1 they prolonged their discourse outside the door: discussion, conversation, talk,dialogue, conference, debate, consultation; parley, powwow, chat, confab;formal confabulation, colloquy.2 a discourse on critical theory: essay, treatise, dissertation, paper, study, critique,monograph, disquisition, tract; lecture, address, speech, oration; sermon,homily.verb1 he discoursed at length on his favorite topic: hold forth, expatiate, pontificate;talk, give a talk, give a speech, lecture, sermonize, preach; informal spout,sound off; formal perorate.2 Edward was discoursing with his friends: converse, talk, speak, debate, confer,consult, parley, chat.