# debate

/dəˈbeɪt/ (US) · /dɪbˈeɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/debate
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Senses

### 1. formal discussion

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal · Academic

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

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

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

### 2. general disagreement

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- There is a lot of debate about the best way to learn a language.
- The scientific community is currently engaged in a heated debate over the long-term effects of the new treatment.

### 3. to argue formally

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

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

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

- Politicians will debate the new tax laws on television tonight.
- 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.

### 4. to consider options

verb · CEFR B2

to think carefully about different choices before making a decision.

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

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

## Examples

- The students had a lively debate about climate change.
- The city council held a public debate to hear both sides of the proposal for a new highway.
- The ongoing national debate regarding healthcare reform highlights the deep ideological divisions between the two major political parties.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.