debate — a formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈbeɪt/
Example Sentences
- My mom and I always debate about who makes better kimchi - spoiler alert: it's always her.
- The climate change debate continues among world leaders at the summit.
- He spent three hours debating whether to order pizza or chicken - democracy is hard work.
debate
NOUN[/dɪˈbeɪt/]
a formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly
The candidates participated in a public debate before the election.
Experts debated the best solution to the energy shortage. (TWO SIDES + ARGUMENT = DEBATE → debate is a discussion where two sides present opposing arguments)
A good debate can create ideas that inspire innovation.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin 'debatere', a compound of 'de' (down) and 'battere' (to beat). The term originally conceptualized argument as a form of combat, where one defeats an opponent's logic by 'beating it down'.
Breakdown
de- (down, away) + battere (to beat, strike). The prefix intensifies the action of striking or attacking, metaphorically applied to dismantling opposing arguments.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom and I always debate about who makes better kimchi - spoiler alert: it's always her.”
“The climate change debate continues among world leaders at the summit.”
“He spent three hours debating whether to order pizza or chicken - democracy is hard work.”
“The debate over school uniforms has divided parents and students for years.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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