debate

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈbeɪt/

noun

  • a formal discussion on a particular matter in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward and which usually ends with a vote: last night’s debate on the Education Bill
  • an argument about a particular subject, especially one in which many people are involved: the national debate on abortion [mass noun]: there has been much debate about prices

verb

[with object]
  • argue about (a subject), especially in a formal manner: MPs debated the issue in the Commons [no object]: members of the society debated for five nights
  • [with clause] consider a possible course of action in one’s mind before reaching a decision: he debated whether he should leave the matter alone or speak to her

Phrases

be open to debate

be unproven and requiring further discussion: whether a further wave of takeovers would benefit consumers is open to debate

under debate

being discussed or disputed: the subject is still under debate

Derivatives

debater

noun

Origin:

Middle English: via Old French from Latin dis- (expressing reversal) + battere 'to fight'