discursivo

Discursivo is an adjective used in Spanish and Portuguese to describe something related to discourse or to discursive reasoning. In linguistics and rhetoric, a discursive text or approach aims to argue, justify, analyze, or explain, and is typically oriented toward reasoning and evidence rather than narrating events or describing scenes. This term helps distinguish text types such as discursive (discursivo) from narrativo (narrative) or descriptivo (descriptive).

Etymology and cross-language note: the word comes from Latin discursivus, based on discursus, meaning a running to and fro or discourse. In Spanish and Portuguese, the form discursivo is standard. In Italian, the corresponding adjective is discorsivo, highlighting a close but distinct spelling.

Usage and applications: a ensayo discursivo is an argumentative or analytic essay that develops a thesis with justification and evidence. A discurso discursivo refers to spoken or written language that advances a position through reasoning. In education and assessment, tasks described as discursive typically require structured argumentation, including a thesis, supporting reasons, and a conclusion, rather than narrative progression or sensory description.

See also: discursive, expository writing, argumentation, discourse analysis, narrative, descriptive.