diskusjonen

Diskusjonen is the definite singular form of the Norwegian noun diskusjon, meaning "the discussion" or "the debate." It refers to a particular exchange of ideas or argument that has been specified by context, rather than to discussion in general.

Diskusjon is borrowed from Latin discussio, via French discussion and English. In Norwegian, the definite singular ends with -en: diskusjonen; the indefinite plural is diskusjoner, and the definite plural is diskusjonene. The spelling reflects Norwegian phonology and standard Bokmål usage.

Diskusjonen is used in everyday language and in formal writing to denote a specific discussion, whether informal among friends or part of a policy debate. Common collocations include åpen diskusjon ("open discussion"), kritisk diskusjon ("critical discussion"), and pågående diskusjonen ("the ongoing discussion"). The definite form signals that the discussion is known to the reader or listener.

Differences between diskusjon and debatt are often noted in Norwegian. Debatt tends to imply a more adversarial or public confrontation, while diskusjonen can refer to a broader process of exchanging views, questioning, and negotiation. The definite form diskusjonen emphasizes that the discussion is located in a particular context or moment.

See also: debatt, argumentasjon, språk.