debates

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 & related words for debates

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Words related to debates

Explore words related to debates — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include disputation, argument, debating, argue, debated, discussion, moot, argumentation. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Where does debates come from?

The word debates 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.