debate

To debate is to argue about the opposing sides of a subject or to discuss the merits of different arguments and points of view. (verb)

An example of debate is when you have a discussion about the death penalty, which you are for and your conversation partner is against.

A debate is a formal discussion of the opposing sides of a specific subject or a formal contest of arguments. (noun)

An example of debate is what Congress does when considering passing new legislation.
An example of debate is when two people have a discussion about the pros and cons of the death penalty and each person takes a different side of the argument.

See debate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb debated, debating

to discuss opposing reasons; argue
to take part in a formal discussion or a contest in which opposing sides of a question are argued
to deliberate (with oneself or in one's own mind)
Obsolete to fight or quarrel

transitive verb

noun

discussion or consideration of opposing reasons; argument about or deliberation on a question
a formal contest of skill in reasoned argument, with two teams taking opposite sides of a specified question
the art or study of formal debate

Related Forms:

See debate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(dĭ-bātˈ)

verb de·bat·ed, de·bat·ing, de·bates

verb, intransitive

verb, transitive

noun

A discussion involving opposing points; an argument.
Deliberation; consideration: passed the motion with little debate.
A formal contest of argumentation in which two opposing teams defend and attack a given proposition.
Obsolete Conflict; strife.

Related Forms:

Learn more about debate

» debate synonyms

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