debate
dih-BAYT
Debate (verb) means to argue a topic formally, usually presenting opposing sides. Example: “The candidates will debate the economy live on television tonight.”
verb
1
To argue a topic formally, usually presenting opposing sides.
"The candidates will debate the economy live on television tonight."
"Students debated both sides of the issue in class."
"The council will debate the new parking rules at tonight's meeting."
2
To think something over carefully before deciding.
"She debated whether to accept the job offer."
"I debated for ages whether to call him or send a message."
"He debated the pros and cons before buying the second-hand car."
noun
1
A formal discussion of opposing views, often ending in a vote or decision.
"The parliamentary debate lasted late into the night."
"There's an ongoing debate about how to fix the housing shortage."
"After a lively debate, the club voted to change its meeting day."
How to use debate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishArguing a topic out loud (formally) or arguing it with yourself (deciding).
Common pairings
a heated debate
debate an issue
open to debate
debate whether to
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Word forms
- Plural
- debates
- Third person singular
- debates
- Past tense
- debated
Fill the gap
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The candidates will _____ the economy live on television tonight.
Etymology
From Old French debatre, literally "to beat down," from Latin battuere, "to beat" — the same root that gives us "battle" and "batter."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for debate
See all rhymes for debate →Frequently asked questions
What does “debate” mean?
The word “debate” means to argue a topic formally, usually presenting opposing sides. In plain terms, arguing a topic out loud (formally) or arguing it with yourself (deciding).
How do you pronounce “debate”?
“Debate” is pronounced dih-BAYT (/dɪˈbeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “debate” in a sentence?
Here is “debate” used in a sentence: “The candidates will debate the economy live on television tonight.”
What part of speech is “debate”?
Depending on how it is used, “debate” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “debate” come from?
The word “debate” comes from Latin. From Old French debatre, literally "to beat down," from Latin battuere, "to beat" — the same root that gives us "battle" and "batter.".
Is “debate” a common word?
“Debate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “debate” have?
“Debate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to argue a topic formally, usually presenting opposing sides.
What is the difference between debating and arguing?
Debating is structured and usually formal — two sides present reasoned cases on a set topic, often with rules and a judge, aiming to persuade an audience. Arguing is looser and often emotional, driven by personal disagreement rather than format. A debate can stay respectful even when the two sides strongly oppose each other.
What is the difference between a debate and a discussion?
A discussion is an open, cooperative exchange where people share views to explore or understand a topic together. A debate is competitive and takes opposing sides, each trying to argue its case more convincingly. Discussion seeks common understanding; debate seeks to win the point or sway an audience.
What are the rules of a formal debate?
Formal debate assigns two sides — one supporting a motion, one opposing it. Speakers take timed turns, present arguments in a set order, and respond to their opponents' points. Personal attacks are discouraged, while reasoning and evidence are rewarded. A judge or audience then decides which side argued more persuasively.
Can debating be taught?
Yes. Debating is a learnable skill, widely taught in schools, universities, and clubs. Students practise building arguments, researching evidence, speaking clearly under time limits, and thinking on their feet to rebut opponents. Like any skill it improves with coaching and repetition, and it sharpens critical thinking and public speaking too.
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