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Proselytize vs Discuss - What's the difference?

proselytize | discuss |

In lang=en terms the difference between proselytize and discuss

is that proselytize is to convert (someone) to one’s own faith or beliefs while discuss is to converse or debate concerning a particular topic.

As verbs the difference between proselytize and discuss

is that proselytize is to encourage or induce people to join a religious movement, political party, or other cause or organization while discuss is (obsolete|transitive) to drive away, disperse, shake off; said especially of tumors.

proselytize

English

Alternative forms

* (UK) proselytise

Verb

(proselytiz)
  • To encourage or induce people to join a religious movement, political party, or other cause or organization.
  • * 1909 , , The Foreigner , ch. 14:
  • "I am not sent here to proselytize . My church is not in that business."
  • * 2001 , Douglas Waller, " A Terror Threat From The South," Time , 10 Dec.:
  • Counterterrorism officials believe bin Laden has set up cells to proselytize the large Middle East expatriate population living in the area.
    It is illegal to proselytize in some countries
  • To convert (someone) to one’s own faith or beliefs.
  • * Burke
  • One of those whom they endeavour to proselytize .

    discuss

    Verb

  • (obsolete) To drive away, disperse, shake off; said especially of tumors.
  • * 1590 , Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene , III.i:
  • For she was giuen all to fleshly lust, / And poured forth in sensuall delight, / That all regard of shame she had discust , / And meet respect of honour put to flight
  • * Rambler
  • a pomade of virtue to discuss pimples
  • * Sir H. Wotton
  • Many arts were used to discuss the beginnings of new affection.
  • To converse or debate concerning a particular topic.
  • Let's sit down and discuss this rationally.
    I don't wish to discuss this further. Let's talk about something else.
  • (obsolete) To communicate, tell, or disclose (information, a message, etc.).
  • * , Merry Wives of Windsor , act 1, sc. 3:
  • Nym : I will discuss the humour of this love to Page.
  • * , Henry V , act 4, sc. 1:
  • Pistol : Discuss unto me; art thou officer? Or art thou base, common and popular?
  • To break to pieces; to shatter.
  • To deal with, in eating or drinking.
  • * Sir S. Baker
  • We sat quietly down and discussed a cold fowl that we had brought with us.
  • To examine or search thoroughly; to exhaust a remedy against, as against a principal debtor before proceeding against the surety.
  • Synonyms

    * (converse about a topic) betalk, debate, talk about

    Derived terms

    * discussant * discusser * discussion * discuss to death * discuss Uganda

    See also

    * argue