The Spanish word 'discurso' (meaning 'discourse' or 'speech') comes from the Latin word 'discursus', which meant 'running about' or 'discourse'. This Latin word was formed by combining two elements: the prefix 'dis-' (meaning 'apart' or 'in different directions') and 'cursus' (meaning 'course' or 'running'), which itself came from the Latin verb 'currere' (meaning 'to run').

The evolution of meaning from 'running about' to 'discourse' or 'speech' reflects how a conversation or speech runs through different topics or directions, metaphorically 'running about' from one point to another. This metaphorical extension of physical movement to verbal expression is a common pattern in language development.

Several common Spanish words share this same Latin root 'currere' (to run): 'curso' (course), 'correr' (to run), 'carrera' (career, race), and 'corriente' (current). You can see how all these words relate to movement or flow, whether literal or figurative. While 'discurso' refers to the flow of speech or ideas, its relatives like 'correr' maintain the original meaning of physical movement.

Many English words are related to 'discurso' through the same Latin roots. The most obvious is 'discourse' itself, but others include 'course', 'current', 'cursor' (which moves across a screen), and 'discursive' (moving from topic to topic). The prefix 'dis-' is also found in many English words like 'disconnect' or 'disappear', always carrying the sense of separation or movement apart. Understanding these connections can help you remember that 'discurso' is about the flow or movement of ideas through speech.