2 syllables: dis, cuss. Stress on cuss.
dis-KUHS
/dɪˈskʌs/
discuss is pronounced dis-KUHS (/dɪˈskʌs/). It has two syllables (dis-cuss), with the stress on "cuss". Discuss means to consider or talk about a topic in order to reach a decision or exchange ideas. It denotes an active, back-and-forth conversation or examination of a subject, often in a formal or semi-formal setting. The verb emphasizes collaborative discussion and analysis rather than simple mention or casual thought.
Discuss means to consider or talk about a topic in order to reach a decision or exchange ideas. It denotes an active, back-and-forth conversation or examination of a subject, often in a formal or semi-formal setting. The verb emphasizes collaborative discussion and analysis rather than simple mention or casual thought.
- You may flatten the vowel before the /s/; aim for /ɪ/ then a distinct /sk/ cluster to prevent /dɪskəs/ sounding like /dəs/ or /dɪs/. - Some speakers over-split the /sk/ into /s/ then /k/ or insert an extra vowel between /d/ and /sk/. Practice the tight /d/ release immediately followed by /sk/. - In fast speech, the vowel in the second syllable may reduce; keep the /ʌ/ clear enough to maintain contrast with /a/ in nearby words. - Prosody: keep stress on the second syllable and avoid secondary stress on the first, which can cause a staccato rhythm. Practice marching tempo to lock the rhythm.
"We will discuss the project plan at the meeting this afternoon."
"During the workshop, participants discussed potential solutions to the problem."
"The committee discussed the implications of the new policy before voting."
/dɪˈskʌs/ in General American and Received Pronunciation. The stress is on the second syllable: dis-CUSS. Start with a short, unstressed /dɪ/ followed by a clear /sk/ cluster and the /ʌ/ as in 'strut'. The final /s/ is unvoiced. For accuracy, aim for a crisp alveolar /d/ then an immediate /ɪ/ reduced to a schwa in fast speech: [dɪˈskə s] can occur in casual speech. Listen to native phrase contexts to capture natural timing.
Mistakes include saying /dɪˈsɪks/ with a short /ɪ/ before the /ks/ cluster, or misplacing the stress as dis-CUSS in slow speech, which flattens the energy. Another error is pronouncing the /sk/ as two separate sounds in a way that yields /dɪ s kʌs/ with extra vowels. Correct by ensuring the vowel before the /s/ is the lax /ʌ/ and that the /sk/ is a tight cluster immediately after /dɪ/. Practice by isolating the /sk/ blend and keeping the /d/ release short.
In US English, /dɪˈskʌs/ with a rhotic follow-through on non-stressed syllables is typical, while UK English maintains clear non-rhoticity in many dialects and emphasizes /ˈdɪs.kʌs/? depending on speed. Australian English mirrors General Australian patterns with /dɪˈskʌs/ but vowel quality may shift slightly toward a centralized /ɐ/ in some speakers. The main differences are vowel length and quality rather than consonant changes; all feature a stressed second syllable and a crisp /sk/ cluster.
Because it hinges on a clean /d/ release into a tight /sk/ consonant cluster and a mid-low /ʌ/ vowel that can be reduced or shifted in connected speech. The transition from the alveolar stop to the /s/ is rapid, which can blur the /d/ and /sk/ boundary in fast speech. Learners often substitute /ə/ or misplace stress. Focusing on separating the /d/ and /sk/ with a brief pulmonic release and ensuring the /ʌ/ is not overly lowered helps stability.
The key is the sharp boundary between /d/ and /sk/ that creates a tight /dɪ-sk/ sequence, with the /sk/ cluster executed as a single unit rather than two separate sounds. The first syllable’s /ɪ/ should be light, and the second syllable’s /ʌ/ cleanly voiced before /s/. In careful speech, you’ll hear a slight release after the /d/ before the /ɪ/ leading into the /sk/ cluster; in fast speech, it can blur into /dɪskəs/ with reduced vowels.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "discuss"!
- US: maintain rhotic awareness in surrounding words; the /ɹ/ may color neighboring vowels but not in this word itself. Vowel quality tends toward a clear /ʌ/; avoid a too-fronted /æ/. - UK: non-rhotic tendencies can shift vowel quality slightly; aim for a crisp /dɪˈskʌs/, with a short, relaxed second syllable and a steady /s/ at the end. - AU: similar to US/UK but vowels may reduce more in casual speech; keep the /ʌ/ stable and avoid turning it into /ɐ/ in careful speech. Reference IPA and listen to native speakers. - General: keep the tongue blade close to the alveolar ridge for /d/ and /t/; the /sk/ sequence requires the tongue tip contacting the alveolar ridge during release and then sliding into the /k/ position.
Discuss derives from Latin discutere, meaning to shake apart, investigate, or examine. This form combines dis- (apart) with quassus (shaken, crushed), originally used in ancient rhetorical or legal contexts to describe breaking down a topic into parts for analysis. The Latin verb discutere evolved into Old French discuter, carrying the sense of engaging in dialogue or argument. In English, discuss appeared in the 16th century with the sense of “to consider or treat a subject by talking about it,” aligning with social and scholarly practices where ideas are studied through dialogue. Over time, the term broadened to formal and informal settings—from committee meetings to classroom discussions—preserving its core emphasis on collaborative scrutiny and exchange rather than solitary contemplation. In modern usage, discuss is almost always followed by a direct object or topic (e.g., discuss the plan, discuss options), and its form remains invariant across tense while context conveys modality and seriousness. First known use in English literature traces to scholarly discourse of the Renaissance, transitioning through legal and academic writings as collaboration and debate became central to decision-making processes. As a result, discuss carries a scholarly, participatory connotation, signaling constructive conversation aimed at reaching understanding or decisions.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "discuss" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "discuss" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "discuss" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "discuss"
-iss sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
