debate Definition
de·bate (dē bāt′, di-)
intransitive verb -·bat′ed, -·bat′·ing
- 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
Etymology: ME debaten < OFr debatre, to fight, contend, debate: see de- & batter
transitive verb
- to dispute about, esp. in a meeting or legislature
- to argue (a question) or argue with (a person) formally
- to consider reasons for and against; deliberate on
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
Etymology: ME & OFr debat < the v.
debate Related Forms
debate Synonyms
debate
n.
debate Synonyms
debate
v.
Antonyms
debate Usage Examples
Object
- merit: BRANNIGAN: My Lord, my learned friend and myself were debating the merits of that.
- issue: We need to find new ways of engaging citizens in debating local issues that affect them, " she said.
Converse of object
- stimulate: In order to whet your appetite, some issues are set out below which, it is hoped, will stimulate debate.
- provoke: It is certain to provoke debate and discussion, not least about how and why certain films enter the nation's consciousness.
- spark: Page 8: We go live: browse our new web site; Prodi speech sparks web debate on EU's future.
- inform: The research proposed here will inform debates on the effectiveness of these changes.
- initiate: Member for Manchester, Withington initiated the debate and we have only 30 minutes for it.
- stifle: Melanie Phillips argues that the purpose of Labor's attack is to " stifle debate " .
Adjective modifier
- lively: There then followed some lively debate about the differences.
- heated: Carnivore has been the subject of heated debate over the past year.
- parliamentary: However, MSPs are still able to speak in any language in parliamentary debates.
- informed: It seeks to foster detailed research and informed debate on international conflict, both historical and contemporary.
- ongoing: There is an ongoing debate about whether the Scottish criminal law should be codified.
- public: The public debate in the UK is very limited.
Preposition: on
- forum: Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.
- motion: There will be a debate on an Opposition motion in the name of the Liberal Democrats.
Modifying Another Word
hotly: This has long been a hotly debated topic, especially in college sports.
Modifies a noun
rage: But debate rages as to what qualities the winning play should have.
Noun used with modifier
- adjournment: Indeed, I raised the issue during an Adjournment debate in Westminster Hall last month.
- abortion: The ethical issues surrounding therapeutic cloning are similar in some ways to the abortion debate; that is when does personhood start?
Browse dictionary entries near debate
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