debate

noun

An argument, or discussion, usually in an ordered or formal setting, often with more than two people, generally ending with a vote or other decision.

(uncountable) Discussion of opposing views.

An informal and spirited but generally civil discussion of opposing views.

(frequently in the French form débat) A type of literary composition, taking the form of a discussion or disputation, commonly found in the vernacular medieval poetry of many European countries, as well as in medieval Latin.

(obsolete) Strife, discord.

verb

(ambitransitive, reciprocal) To participate in a debate; to dispute, argue, especially in a public arena.

(transitive) To consider (to oneself), to think over, to attempt to decide

(obsolete, intransitive, reciprocal) To fight.

(obsolete, transitive) To engage in combat for; to strive for.

Roots

battuobat- · Latin · beat, fight

Synonyms for debate

disputationn argumentn arguev discussionn mootadj argumentationn controversyn contendv disputen contestationn logomachyn wranglingn

Synonyms & related words for debate

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Words related to debate

Explore words related to debate — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include debater, polemicize, outargue, discussing, argufy, discourse, argumentive, undebatable. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for debate

Common synonyms for debate include disputation, argument, argue, discussion, moot, argumentation, controversy, contend — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does debate come from?

The word debate breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root bat-, from Latin battuo (“beat, fight”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.