debate
noun
a discussion, as of a public question in an assembly, involving opposing viewpoints.
have been debating
-
present perfect progressiveof debate.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Scientists have been debating that question for years, and the answer remains far from simple.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 14, 2026
The movie was a box-office flop, and critics have been debating its merits ever since.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026
On the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank meetings, market experts have been debating whether to buy or short gold.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 16, 2025
Awards pundits have been debating whether the film could have an impact on the Oscars race.
From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2024
“I have been debating in my mind for some time a question which I have had to debate with myself once or twice before in my life,” she wrote in “My Day.”
From "The Voice That Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights" by Russell Freedman
