/ dɪˈbeɪt; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun [ C , U ] debate (on / about / over sth)
1.
a formal discussion of an issue at a public meeting or in a parliament. In a debate two or more speakers express opposing views and then there is often a vote on the issue :
a debate on abortion
The minister opened the debate (= was the first to speak) .
The motion under debate (= being discussed) was put to a vote.
After a long debate, Congress approved the proposal.
2.
an argument or discussion expressing different opinions :
a heated / wide-ranging / lively debate
the current debate about tax
There had been much debate on the issue of childcare.
Whether he deserves what has happened to him is open to debate / a matter for debate (= cannot be certain or decided yet) .
The theatre's future is a subject of considerable debate.
■ verb
1.
to discuss sth, especially formally, before making a decision or finding a solution
SYN discuss :
[ vn ]
Politicians will be debating the bill later this week.
The question of the origin of the universe is still hotly debated (= strongly argued about) by scientists.
[ v wh- ]
The committee will debate whether to lower the age of club membership to 16.
[also v ]
2.
debate (with yourself) to think carefully about sth before making a decision :
She debated with herself for a while, and then picked up the phone.
[ v wh- ]
We're debating whether or not to go skiing this winter.
[also v -ing ]
► de·bat·ing noun [ U ]:
a debating society at a school
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : via Old French from Latin dis- (expressing reversal) + battere to fight.