debate

noun
UK: /dɪˈbeɪt/
US: /dɪˈbeɪt/

  1. A discussion or argument about a subject where people express different opinions.

    1. The debate was very long. [ ] [ ]
    2. The environmental debate continues about how to reduce air pollution. [ ] [ ]

  2. A formal discussion, often in a parliament or public meeting, in which opposing arguments are put forward and which usually ends with a vote.

    1. The debate is on TV. [ ] [ ]
    2. Parliament held a debate on the proposed changes to the law. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

dispute controversy discussion discuss question consider argument argue contest
debate verb

  1. To discuss a subject in a formal way, offering different opinions.

    1. We debate every week. [ ] [ ]
    2. The council will debate the issue at its next meeting. [ ] [ ]

  2. To argue about a subject, especially in a formal way.

    1. They debate politics often. [ ] [ ]
    2. The students debated the pros and cons of the new policy. [ ] [ ]
debate intransitive-verb

  1. To consider something; wonder about it.

    1. I debate what to do. [ ] [ ]
    2. She debated whether to accept the job offer or not. [ ] [ ]
debate transitive-verb

  1. To discuss a subject and consider different opinions about it.

    1. They debate the issue. [ ] [ ]
    2. The committee will debate the proposal next week. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "debate" in English means: A discussion or argument about a subject where people express different opinions., A formal discussion, often in a parliament or public meeting, in which opposing arguments are put forward and which usually ends with a vote..

The phonetic transcription of "debate" is /dɪˈbeɪt/ in British English and /dɪˈbeɪt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "debate": dispute, controversy, discussion, discuss, question, consider, argument, argue, contest.

Example usage of "debate": "The debate was very long.". More examples on the page.