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to debate

to debate

474 2.8
To discuss and argue about a topic in a formal way
  • verb
  • /dɪˈbeɪt/
translation icon : debatir
  • Patient scholars were forced to debate whether the poet had actually ever lived.
  • debate issues
  • hotly debated
  • still debated

Which chapter is most debated by people?

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Examples

  • Faculty members and students alike debate the quality and efficacy of online instruction.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The board's been debating selling the place for years, but some of us me included, think it looks good in our portfolio.

  • Well, we debate this issue a great deal.

  • Yes, you should read and I would love to debate any of these guys.

  • What are you going to debate about?

  • If you want to debate, hire a hall!

  • I am asking, I am challenging this room to debate this concept.

  • Active learners typically exchange views, share research findings, and debate topics among themselves.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Let's debate it.

  • The students will debate important political issues during the class discussions.

Synonyms

to argue
vsto debate
2.8

To give reasons to support or oppose an idea

is a formal, structured discussion of a topic rather than general reasoning
to dispute
vsto debate
158 3.5

To argue about something or question if it is true

is more about orderly discussion of ideas than merely questioning truth
to contend
vsto debate
  • Formal
97 4.6

Argue or claim that something is wrong, often in a formal process

is broader and covers organized discussion among multiple participants rather than single claims
to deliberate
vsto debate
43 4.4

To think about something very carefully before deciding

is about organized public discussion of opposing views rather than careful private consideration
to argue over
vsto debate
36 2.9

To talk with someone because you disagree about something

is typically more formal and planned than casual personal disagreements
to spar
vsto debate
5 7.1

To argue in a friendly, quick way without serious anger

is more formal and serious rather than playful or informal back and forth
to joust
vsto debate
3 7.5

To argue directly with someone in public or in a debate

focuses on structured group discussion rather than a public competitive contest
to polemize
vsto debate
  • Formal
9.9

To argue strongly in public, often in writing or speech

is a structured exchange of views, usually less polemical and more balanced

Antonyms

596 3.3

To end an argument by agreement or decision

Phrasal Verbs

To make people start talking and disagree about a topic

To cause people to start a strong, lively discussion

Cause strong arguments about a topic, often on public issues

Compounds

27 3.0

An organized discussion where people argue about government or public issues

12 3.5

An argument with strong feelings and different opinions

public debate
  • Literature
12 3.0

A discussion among many people and the media about an issue in newspapers, TV, and online

public debate
  • Formal
1 3.6

A formal event where people argue for or against a proposal and then vote

A subject people often argue about

debate bro
  • Offensive
9.9

A person, often a young man, who loves arguing online and tries to win every discussion

euthanasia debate
  • Literature
7.2

A public discussion about whether helping someone die to end suffering is right and legal

A large public discussion with many people about important issues

A discussion that happens again and again over a long time

How Formal

to litigate
  • Specialized
27 8.2
to debate
474 2.8
to discuss
1.6
to argue
607 1.1
to talk
1.0
to chat
  • Informal
269 1.0

Surface Forms

debate infinitive
debated past
debated past participle
debating present participle
debates third person singular

Etymology

Debate comes from the Latin parts de- 'down' and battere 'to beat', so it originally meant to 'beat down' an opponent with words. That's why to debate is to argue or discuss an idea strongly and in a clear way.