robust discussion
- noun
- The conference included a robust discussion about climate change initiatives and their impact on global policy.
- a more robust discussion
Examples
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This article embraces this robust discussion by offering some suggestions for improving the system in a way that does not require a constitutional amendment.
Academic text (2014) -
Raids like those can have a chilling effect on free speech, he said, and a long-term negative effect on the country—you want to have robust discussions about political issues without fear.
Blog text (11) -
That led to a very robust discussion, which I took part in, in that day's comments.
Blog text (32) -
A robust discussion is taking place, so yes, I'm quite happy about that.
Blog text (32) -
Board meetings should include robust discussions.
Blog text (18) -
These are questions that will allow a fruitful and robust discussion in a classroom.
Blog text (30) -
After a robust discussion about the merits of the design options on the table, the SAC voted to adopt this new design from PBOT.
Blog text (25) -
... and the sooner they whitewash all these names, we can stop having all this thought-provoking dialogue and robust discussion, and go back to trying to forget about all those Native Americans the white man tried to exterminate.
Blog text (32) -
For the purposes of enhancing the interpretation of all studies presented herein, a more robust discussion of Study 1 is deferred to the General Discussion section (see below).
Academic text (2012) -
The industry welcomed many of those changes and believes that policymakers can take further steps that would stabilize FHA single-family programs, starting with a rigorous look at the data driving the actuarial results and an open, robust discussion over the future of the government's role in housing finance.
Blog text (9)
Synonyms
A formal discussion where opposing sides argue about a topic
A conversation where people share ideas and opinions to decide or understand
Speech or writing about a topic
A short angry conversation between two people
An argument with strong feelings and different opinions
A conversation where people share ideas honestly without holding back
Polite, respectful discussion about political or controversial topics
An argument where people speak loudly and with strong feelings
A formal serious talk about a specific topic
Serious conversation that looks closely at important or difficult ideas
A noisy argument between people about a small issue
Antonyms
How Vigorous
- Formal
- Informal
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase combines the adjective 'robust' (strong, vigorous) with 'discussion' (a talk where opinions are shared), so the overall meaning 'a strong, lively conversation' is directly inferable from the constituents. This adjective+noun composition and the metaphorical extension of 'robust' to describe intensity of talk is common cross-linguistically, so an average B1 learner who knows both words would understand it.
Etymology
The phrase robust discussion comes from the idea of robust meaning strong and full, like a strong wine or stew that gives energy, and discussion meaning conversation. So a robust discussion means a conversation that is 'strong', lively, and full of clear opinions.