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debate

[ dih-beyt ]
/ dɪˈbeɪt /
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See synonyms for: debate / debated / debating on Thesaurus.com

noun
verb (used without object), de·bat·ed, de·bat·ing.
verb (used with object), de·bat·ed, de·bat·ing.
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Origin of debate

1250–1300; (v.) Middle English debaten<Old French debatre, equivalent to de-de- + batre to beat <Latin battere, earlier battuere; (noun) Middle English debat<Old French, derivative of debatre

OTHER WORDS FROM debate

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

MORE ABOUT DEBATE

What does debate mean?

A debate is a public discussion of a common topic or question between people on both sides of an issue, as in Voters were disappointed that there were no debates between the candidates.

A debate is also a formal contest in which the debaters speak on opposite sides of a topic.

Every debate is an argument but not every argument is a debate. While debates are competitive, both sides are attempting to persuade the other and the audience, not insult, hurt, or reprimand the other.

To debate means to engage in such discussions, as in The senate spent all night debating these weighty issues.

To debate also means to deliberate or weigh the pros and cons of a decision one has to make.

Example: I debated going on the trip, but I decided it was best for my mental health to stay home.

Where does debate come from?

The first records of the term debate come from the 1200s. It ultimately comes from the Latin battre, meaning “to beat.”

Debates are popular forms of entertainment, especially debates between candidates for major political offices. The point of a debate is not supposed to be entertainment but knowledge. The point of debating something is to exchange different perspectives on a topic to determine which is correct or the best choice. Although debates should be about knowledge, logic, and passion, they are just as often about emotions.

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What are some other forms related to debate?

  • debatable (adjective)
  • debater (noun)
  • debatingly (adverb)
  • outdebate (verb)
  • undebated (adjective)

What are some synonyms for debate?

What are some words that share a root or word element with debate

What are some words that often get used in discussing debate?

How is debate used in real life?

Debate is normally used to describe a specific conversation, either public or private.

 

Try using debate!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for debate?

A. argue
B. agree
C. counter
D. discuss

WHEN TO USE

What are other ways to say debate?

To debate is to engage in argument or discussion, as in a legislative or public assembly. How does debate compare to discuss and argue? Find out on Thesaurus.com

How to use debate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for debate

debate
/ (dɪˈbeɪt) /

noun
a formal discussion, as in a legislative body, in which opposing arguments are put forward
discussion or dispute
the formal presentation and opposition of a specific motion, followed by a vote
verb
to discuss (a motion), esp in a formal assembly
to deliberate upon (something)he debated with himself whether to go

Derived forms of debate

debater, noun

Word Origin for debate

C13: from Old French debatre to discuss, argue, from Latin battuere
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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