Discursive
hardNegative tonedis-KUR-siv
adjective
Definition
Digressing from subject to subject; rambling
Memory hook
DIS-CURSIVE: your CURSOR runs all over the page — rambling from topic to topic.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“His discursive writing style frustrated readers seeking clarity.”
“The professor's discursive lectures covered many tangential topics.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“His ______ writing style frustrated readers seeking clarity.”
Show answer
discursive
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Discursive is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "digressive" or "rambling" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "focused".
Related GRE Words
digressive
Departing from the main subject; rambling
rambling
Lengthy and confused or inconsequential; sprawling
aphoristic
Containing or characterized by aphorisms; concise and memorable
circumlocutory
Using many words where fewer would do; roundabout in expression
epigrammatic
Concise, clever, and memorable in expression
tangential
only slightly relevant; diverging from the main point
Master discursive and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.