Discursive

Characterized by digressing from subject to subject; rambling; proceeding or discussing a topic in a logical manner but often including extraneous material or observations. This often results in a style that is characterized by a lack of focus, moving from one idea to another without a clear central theme or structure. A discursive piece of writing may explore various aspects of a subject, making insightful connections, while still being prone to wander off-topic. It can also describe the way someone speaks or thinks, suggesting a tendency to jump between ideas and anecdotes.

Discursive meaning with examples

• The professor's lectures were often discursive, moving from ancient history to contemporary politics with little apparent connection. Students struggled to follow the train of thought, as the core argument got lost in the numerous tangents he pursued, leading to confusion and ultimately, a lack of note taking.
• Her essay on the history of art was discursive, weaving in biographical details of the artists alongside detailed analysis of their techniques. While interesting, the lack of a clear central thesis made it difficult to understand her overall argument, creating a meandering journey through the topic.
• He found himself in a discursive conversation with a stranger at the bus stop, veering from weather forecasts to childhood memories, highlighting the nature of serendipitous conversations in modern society where topics can evolve over time.
• The novel's narrative structure was highly discursive, with long passages dedicated to the protagonist's internal monologues and philosophical musings. Although offering a deep dive into the character's mind, the plot moved slowly, at times feeling fragmented and unfocused for some readers.