What does "debate" mean?

1. (formal discussion) a formal meeting where people discuss a subject and express different opinions, often before a vote. 2. (general disagreement) a general situation where people have different ideas or arguments about something. 3. (to argue formally) to discuss a subject formally by offering different ideas and reasons. 4. (to consider options) to think carefully about different choices before making a decision.

How do you use "debate"?

Often used with the prepositions 'on', 'about', or 'over'. Can be used transitively with the topic as the object, or intransitively. Commonly followed by 'whether' or a gerund.

debate

US //dəˈbeɪt// UK //dɪbˈeɪt// de·bate

1 formal discussion (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Academic Law

a formal meeting where people discuss a subject and express different opinions, often before a vote.

a formal discussion on a particular matter in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward.

Example

The students held a lively debate about whether uniforms should be mandatory.

Example

The parliamentary debate regarding the new environmental regulations lasted for three days before a final vote was called.

Usage

Often used with the prepositions 'on', 'about', or 'over'.
- agreement
- concord
2 general disagreement (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a general situation where people have different ideas or arguments about something.

the state of having opposing views or a lack of consensus on a specific issue within a community or society.

Example

There is a lot of debate about the best way to learn a language.

Example

The scientific community is currently engaged in a heated debate over the long-term effects of the new treatment.
- controversy
- contention
- consensus

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer

3 to argue formally (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to discuss a subject formally by offering different ideas and reasons.

to argue about a subject, especially in a formal manner or within a public context.

Example

Politicians will debate the new tax laws on television tonight.

Example

The council members debated the proposal for hours, yet they failed to reach a compromise by the end of the session.

Usage

Can be used transitively with the topic as the object, or intransitively.
- concede
4 to consider options (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to think carefully about different choices before making a decision.

to deliberate or consider various options or arguments within one's own mind.

Example

I am debating whether to go to the party or stay home and rest.

Example

She spent the entire weekend debating the merits of the job offer before finally deciding to accept the position.

Usage

Commonly followed by 'whether' or a gerund.

Etymology 1

From Middle English debaten, from Old French debatre (“to fight, contend, debate, also literally to beat down”), from Romanic desbattere, from Latin dis- (“apart, in different directions”) + battuō (“to beat, to fence”).

Etymology 2

From Middle English debat, borrowed from Old French debat, deverbal of debatre, see Etymology 1 for more.