verb
debate
dih-BAYT
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."
2
To think something over carefully before deciding.
"She debated whether to accept the job offer."
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."
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
Word Forms
debated past tense, debates plural, debates singular
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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."