ENGLISH
REFERENCE

debates

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //dəˈbeɪts// UK //dɪbˈeɪts// de·bates

n. formal discussions where people share different opinions about a specific topic. They often happen in politics or schools to help people decide which side is right.

n. formal discussions on a particular matter in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward. Often used to describe the ongoing public discourse surrounding a controversial policy or idea.


SIMPLE

The students held several debates about climate change.

CONTEXTUAL

The city council hosted public debates to hear different views on the new housing project.

COMPLEX

Intense parliamentary debates followed the announcement of the tax reform, with both sides presenting detailed economic projections to support their conflicting positions.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used in the plural to describe a series of discussions or a general state of public disagreement.

Pitfall

we had a debate about if we should gowe had a debate about whether we should goIn formal contexts, 'whether' is preferred over 'if' when following a noun like 'debate'.

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