Other

debate

Pronunciation: /dɪˈbeɪt/

Definition of debate

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

[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

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

Definition of debate in the US English dictionary

Reference to debate in Language Resources

Nearby words

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