discuten

Discuten is the third-person plural present indicative form of the Spanish verb discutir. It is used with subjects such as ellos, ellas, o ustedes, and translates as "they discuss." In some contexts and dialects, it can also carry the sense of "they argue." The basic meaning centers on examining or debating a topic or issue.

The infinitive form is discutir. Other present indicative conjugations include: yo discuto, tú discutes, él discute, nosotros discutimos, vosotros discutís, ellos discuten. The verb is transitive and typically requires a direct object that represents the topic of discussion.

Usage notes and examples: discuten el presupuesto en la reunión; they are discussing the budget in the meeting. discuten diferentes enfoques para resolver el problema; they are debating different approaches to solve the problem. In some regions, discutir can imply a stronger argument or quarrel, as in discutar con alguien, meaning to argue with someone, rather than a neutral discussion.

Etymology: discutir comes from Latin discutere, from dis- “apart” and quatere “to shake” or “strike,” a development that carried the sense of examining or debating something thoroughly into Spanish.

See also: discutir, debate, conversación. This entry focuses on the present tense form discuten and its general usage within contemporary Spanish.