debate
pronunciation
How to pronounce debate in British English:
UK [dɪˈbeɪt]
How to pronounce debate in American English:
US [dɪˈbeɪt]
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- Noun:
- a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal
- the formal presentation of and opposition to a stated proposition (usually followed by a vote)
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- Verb:
- argue with one another
- think about carefully; weigh
- discuss the pros and cons of an issue
- have an argument about something
Word Origin
- debate (v.)
- late 14c., "to quarrel, dispute," also "discuss, deliberate upon the pros and cons of," from Old French debatre (13c., Modern French débattre), originally "to fight," from de- "down, completely" (see de-) + batre "to beat" (see battery). Related: Debated; debating.
- debate (n.)
- early 14c., "a quarrel, dispute, disagreement," from Old French debat; see debate (v.). Sense of "a formal dispute, a debating contest" is perhaps from early 15c.
Example
- 1. News of the deal has sparked vigorous debate .
- 2. Much of the debate is semantic .
- 3. But its passage involved much debate .
- 4. This month the debate became political .
- 5. No wonder this debate gets heated , and confused .