debate
noun
a discussion, as of a public question in an assembly, involving opposing viewpoints.
had debated
-
past perfectof debate.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For more than 20 years, scientists had debated earlier claims that this particle had been observed, but those findings were never confirmed.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 19, 2026
USC’s faculty members had debated whether to vote on a motion expressing no-confidence in Folt.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 8, 2024
Branagh, who has played real-life figures including Franklin D. Roosevelt and the German SS officer Reinhard Heydrich, said that he and the writers had debated how closely he should try to mimic Johnson.
From New York Times ● Sep. 30, 2022
The Finnish government emphasised that the report "does not include any conclusions or present new security policy guidelines" and said that no decisions would be made before parliament had debated its findings.
From BBC ● Apr. 13, 2022
I was uncertain, and hesitant—but at least I had debated in prison, and I tried my best.
From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey
