debate
/di'beit/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A formal discussion on a particular topic, often in a public meeting or legislative assembly, where opposing arguments are presented: A structured contest of argumentation, typically followed by a vote.
- A general discussion involving opposing viewpoints: Any discussion in which reasons for and against a proposition, idea, or action are considered.
Verb:
- To discuss a topic formally, presenting opposing arguments: To engage in a structured argument or formal discussion.
- To consider or discuss different sides of a question or issue: To deliberate on the pros and cons of something.
- To think about something carefully before making a decision: To ponder or weigh options in one's mind.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- The parliamentary debate on the new law lasted for hours.
- There is an ongoing public debate about climate change policies.
Verb:
- The candidates will debate the key issues on live television.
- We debated whether to invest in new equipment or repair the old.
- She debated the offer in her mind for several days before responding.
Advanced Usage
- "Under debate": Being discussed or argued about.
- The exact location for the new hospital is still under debate.
- "Open to debate": Not yet decided or agreed upon; a matter for discussion.
- Whether this is the most effective method is open to debate.
Variants and Related Words
- Debater (n): A person who debates or is skilled in formal argument.
- She was a champion debater in high school.
- Debatable (adj): Open to discussion or argument; questionable.
- The effectiveness of that strategy is highly debatable.
Synonyms
- Noun: Discussion, argument, dispute, deliberation, controversy.
- Verb: Discuss, argue, deliberate, contend, dispute, moot.
Related Phrasal Verbs
(Note: "Debate" is not commonly used with particles to form phrasal verbs. Its meaning is typically conveyed directly or with prepositions like "about" or "on.") - Debate on/upon/about: To argue or discuss a specific topic. - The committee will debate on the proposed budget cuts.
Related Idioms
- "The cut and thrust of debate": The lively and aggressive exchange of opposing views in a discussion.
- He enjoys the cut and thrust of political debate.
- "A debating point": A point or argument made primarily to score a victory in a debate rather than to establish the truth.
- His criticism was more of a debating point than a serious contribution.
Noun
- the formal presentation of a stated proposition and the opposition to it (usually followed by a vote)
- a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal
- the argument over foreign aid goes on and on
Verb
- have an argument about something
- discuss the pros and cons of an issue
- think about carefully; weigh
- They considered the possibility of a strike
- Turn the proposal over in your mind
- argue with one another
- We debated the question of abortion
- John debated Mary