Debate

/dɪˈbeɪt/ · verb

Meaning

(ambitransitive, reciprocal) To participate in a debate; to dispute, argue, especially in a public arena..

Definitions by Sense

1. (ambitransitive, reciprocal) To participate in a debate; to dispute, argue, especially in a public arena.
2. (obsolete, intransitive, reciprocal) To fight.
3. (obsolete, transitive) To engage in combat for; to strive for.
4. (transitive) To consider (to oneself), to think over, to attempt to decide
5. An argument, or discussion, usually in an ordered or formal setting, often with more than two people, generally ending with a vote or other decision.
6. An informal and spirited but generally civil discussion of opposing views.
7. (uncountable) Discussion of opposing views.
8. (frequently in the French form débat) A type of literary composition, taking the form of a discussion or disputation, commonly found in the vernacular medieval poetry of many European countries, as well as in medieval Latin.

Example Sentences

"Debate me, coward!" snarled the completely normal intellectual.

a wise council […] that did debate this business

Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself.

He presents that great soul debating upon the subject of life and death with his intimate friends.

When the legislation was debated by the House of Commons, Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner said it was "riddled with holes", while former Conservative Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg said it was "badly written".

Well knew they both his person, sith of late / With him in bloudie armes they rashly did debate.

[…] wasteful Time debateth with Decay, To change your day of youth to sullied night

Volunteers […] thronged to serve under his banner, and the cause of religion was debated with the same ardour in Spain as on the plains of Palestine.

Synonyms for debate

Antonyms for debate

Related Words

Word Forms

• debates
• debating
• debated

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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