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View synonyms for

debate

[ dih-beyt ]

noun

  1. a discussion, as of a public question in an assembly, involving opposing viewpoints:

    a debate in the Senate on farm price supports.

    Synonyms: , , ,

  2. a formal contest in which the affirmative and negative sides of a proposition are advocated by opposing speakers.
  3. Archaic. strife; contention.


verb (used without object)

debated, debating.
  1. to engage in argument or discussion, as in a legislative or public assembly:

    When we left, the men were still debating.

    Synonyms: ,

  2. to participate in a formal debate.
  3. to deliberate; consider:

    I debated with myself whether to tell them the truth or not.

  4. Obsolete. to fight; quarrel.

verb (used with object)

debated, debating.
  1. to argue or discuss (a question, issue, or the like), as in a legislative or public assembly:

    They debated the matter of free will.

  2. to dispute or disagree about:

    The homeowners debated the value of a road on the island.

  3. to engage in formal argumentation or disputation with (another person, group, etc.):

    Jones will debate Smith. Harvard will debate Princeton.

  4. to deliberate upon; consider:

    He debated his decision in the matter.

  5. Archaic. to contend for or over.

debate

/ ɪˈɪ /

noun

  1. a formal discussion, as in a legislative body, in which opposing arguments are put forward
  2. discussion or dispute
  3. the formal presentation and opposition of a specific motion, followed by a vote
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to discuss (a motion), esp in a formal assembly
  2. to deliberate upon (something)

    he debated with himself whether to go

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈٱ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ·İ noun
  • ·iԲ· adverb
  • t··ٱ verb interdebated interdebating
  • non·İ noun
  • ԴDzd·iԲ adjective
  • dzܳd·ٱ verb (used with object) outdebated outdebating
  • v··ٱ verb overdebated overdebating
  • Dzd·ٱ adjective
  • d·ٱ noun
  • pre·İ noun
  • d·ٱ noun verb redebated redebating
  • ܲd·Ļ adjective
  • ܲd·iԲ adjective
  • ɱ-·Ļ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of debate1

First recorded in 1250–1300; (for the verb) Middle English debaten, from Old French debatre, from de- de- + batre “to beat” (from Latin battere, earlier battuere ); noun derivative of the verb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of debate1

C13: from Old French debatre to discuss, argue, from Latin battuere
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The filing decision comes a year after university campuses became center stage for tense debates over the war in Gaza that broke out after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct.

From

Lauren’s celebrity and the circumstances of the shooting have sparked debate about whether she was justified to defend her property.

From

The measures have been a matter of strong debate in Tynwald, the island's parliament.

From

It's how crucial decisions with potential implications for the global order are being debated.

From

Here I'll set out this debate – starting with the potential upsides for the region.

From

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More About Debate

does debate mean?

A debate is a public discussion of a common topic or question between people on both sides of an issue, as in Voters were disappointed that there were no debates between the candidates.

A debate is also a formal contest in which the debaters speak on opposite sides of a topic.

Every debate is an argument but not every argument is a debate. While debates are competitive, both sides are attempting to persuade the other and the audience, not insult, hurt, or reprimand the other.

To debate means to engage in such discussions, as in The senate spent all night debating these weighty issues.

To debate also means to deliberate or weigh the pros and cons of a decision one has to make.

Example: I debated going on the trip, but I decided it was best for my mental health to stay home.

Where does debate come from?

The first records of the term debate come from the 1200s. It ultimately comes from the Latin battre, meaning “to beat.”

Debates are popular forms of entertainment, especially debates between candidates for major political offices. The point of a debate is not supposed to be entertainment but knowledge. The point of debating something is to exchange different perspectives on a topic to determine which is correct or the best choice. Although debates should be about knowledge, logic, and passion, they are just as often about emotions.

Did you know … ?

are some other forms related to debate?

  • debatable (adjective)
  • debater (noun)
  • debatingly (adverb)
  • outdebate (verb)
  • undebated (adjective)

are some synonyms for debate?

are some words that share a root or word element with debate?

are some words that often get used in discussing debate?

How is debate used in real life?

Debate is normally used to describe a specific conversation, either public or private.

Try using debate!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for debate?

A. argue
B. agree
C. counter
D. discuss

When To Use

are other ways to saydebate?

To debate is to engage in argument or discussion, as in a legislative or public assembly. How does debate compare to discuss and argue? Find out on .

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