debate

American  

[dih-beyt] / dɪˈbeɪt /

noun

1. a discussion, as of a public question in an assembly, involving opposing viewpoints.

   a debate in the Senate on farm price supports.

   Synonyms:

   contention, disputation, controversy, argument

2. a formal contest in which the affirmative and negative sides of a proposition are advocated by opposing speakers.

3. deliberation; consideration.

4. Archaic. strife; contention.

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verb (used without object)

debated, debating

1. to engage in argument or discussion, as in a legislative or public assembly.

   When we left, the men were still debating.

   Synonyms:

   contend, dispute

2. to participate in a formal debate.

3. to deliberate; consider.

   I debated with myself whether to tell them the truth or not.

4. Obsolete. to fight; quarrel.

verb (used with object)

debated, debating

1. to argue or discuss (a question, issue, or the like), as in a legislative or public assembly.

   They debated the matter of free will.

2. to dispute or disagree about.

   The homeowners debated the value of a road on the island.

3. to engage in formal argumentation or disputation with (another person, group, etc.).

   Jones will debate Smith. Harvard will debate Princeton.

4. to deliberate upon; consider.

   He debated his decision in the matter.

5. Archaic. to contend for or over.

debate British  

/ dɪˈbeɪt /

noun

1. a formal discussion, as in a legislative body, in which opposing arguments are put forward

2. discussion or dispute

3. the formal presentation and opposition of a specific motion, followed by a vote

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verb

1. to discuss (a motion), esp in a formal assembly

2. to deliberate upon (something)

   he debated with himself whether to go

Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• debater noun
• debatingly adverb
• interdebate verb
• nondebater noun
• nondebating adjective
• outdebate verb (used with object)
• overdebate verb
• postdebate adjective
• predebate noun
• predebater noun
• redebate noun
• undebated adjective
• undebating adjective
• well-debated adjective

Etymology

Origin of debate

First recorded in 1250–1300; (for the verb) Middle English debaten, from Old French debatre, from de- de- + batre “to beat” (from Latin battere, earlier battuere ); noun derivative of the verb

Explanation

Another word for formally discuss is debate. Cheese lovers often debate the merits of gorgonzola, triple creme brie, and gouda. Of course, they need to accompany their arguments with a taste test! A debate is a kind of respectful, well reasoned argument over opposing points of view, although tensions can run high and voices can be raised. In fact, the verb evolved from the Old French debatre, meaning “to fight.” Most formal debates, during a political campaign for example, keep the battles to a minimum. But if you find yourself in the midst of a debate between a Red Sox fan and a Yankees fan, things could get ugly!

Example Sentences

"Political hatred has no place in our democracies. We will not allow fanaticism to poison the spaces of free debate and information," she said.

From Barron's • Apr. 26, 2026

After years of debate between fire officials seeking total vegetation removal within the first 5 feet of homes and ecologists backing selective landscaping, California proposed a compromise.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

It is a private nonprofit organization, not a government agency, and its decisions about classification and methodology are subject to debate.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

Not to debate it, not to tolerate it, but to actually inhabit it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

The exception occurred in 1819, prompted by the debate then raging over passage of the Missouri Compromise.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Related Words

• answer
• bicker
• consider
• contest
• deliberate
• oppose
• question
• wrangle