“discuss”

To weigh ideas carefully and thoroughly in conversation or thought.

“The council sat for hours to deliberate the consequences of the new policy.”

Best for: Works well in formal, legal, or political settings where measured thought is implied.

To examine or analyze something in sharp, methodical detail.

“They dissected every line of the contract before signing a single page.”

Best for: Great for intellectual or analytical contexts where depth and precision are the point.

To speak or write at length and in detail on a subject.

“He expatiates on the philosophy of language as though the room has nowhere else to be.”

Best for: Best in literary or academic writing when you want to convey someone speaking expansively.

To arrive at a solution or understanding through vigorous and frank debate.

“They thrashed out their differences over a long, heated dinner.”

Best for: Punchy and colloquial — suits journalism, dialogue, or energetic narrative prose.

To examine or debate a question thoroughly by consulting various perspectives.

“The committee canvassed every objection before putting the motion to a vote.”

Best for: Slightly formal and underused; fits boardrooms, academic panels, or careful journalism.

To discourse at length or comment expansively upon a subject.

“She descended into the archives and descended again only to descant on what she had found.”

Best for: Rare and musical in origin — stunning in literary essays or lyrical nonfiction.