论述

• Pinyin: lùn shù
• Hanzi breakdown: 论 = 言 (speech/words) + 仑 (orderly reasoning); 述 = 辶 (movement) + 术 (technique/path) — to walk through and narrate

Meaning

Expound; discuss and elaborate on a topic in a systematic and reasoned way. To present a detailed argument or analysis.

Academic and formal term used in essays, papers, speeches, and official documents. 论述题 is a common examination question type requiring extended written argument. 详细论述 (elaborate in detail), 系统论述 (systematically discuss), 深入论述 (thoroughly expound).

Examples

1. 这篇论文详细论述了气候变化对全球粮食安全的深远影响及其政策应对措施。 This paper discusses in detail the far-reaching impact of climate change on global food security and the policy responses to it.
2. 教授在讲座中系统论述了现代语言学的主要流派及其理论贡献。 In the lecture, the professor systematically explained the major schools of modern linguistics and their theoretical contributions.
3. 考生需要在两个小时内就给定话题撰写一篇完整的论述文章。 In two hours, the test-taker must write a complete essay discussing the assigned topic.

Usage Guide

Context: academia, writing, education, policy

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 该学者在其专著中深入论述了儒家思想对东亚现代化进程的积极影响与内在局限。(The scholar thoroughly expounded upon the positive influence and inherent limitations of Confucian thought on the modernisation process of East Asia in their monograph.)
• 答题时应先明确核心论点，再有条理地论述各项支撑论据，最后归纳总结，逻辑层次要清晰。(When answering, first clarify the core thesis, then methodically expound on each supporting argument, and finally summarise — logical structure must be clear.)

Don't Say

• 将论述与描述混用 — 论述 specifically involves reasoned argument and analysis; 描述 means to describe without necessarily arguing a point

Origin & History

论 (discuss, theory) + 述 (narrate, expound) — to narrate and discuss a theory or argument

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated