Debate Meaning
/dɪˈbeɪt/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo participate in a debate; to dispute, argue, especially in a public arena.
verbTo fight.
Sentence Examples
Your decision is open to some debate.
Teachers stimulate the students' interest, have them think, ask questions, and debate among themselves.
The first ever televised presidential debate
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The panel engaged in a lively ____ about climate change.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Your decision is open to some ____.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English debaten, from Old French debatre (“to fight, contend, debate, also literally to beat down”), from Romanic desbattere, from Latin dis- (“apart, in different directions”) + battuō (“to beat, to fence”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"a wise council […] that did debate this business"
— 1613 (date written), William Shakespeare, [John Fletcher], “The Famous History of the Life of King Henry the Eight”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene iv]:
"Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself."
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Proverbs 25:9:
"He presents that great soul debating upon the subject of life and death with his intimate friends."
— 1709 August 21 (Gregorian calendar), Isaac Bickerstaff [et al., pseudonyms; Richard Steele et al.], “Wednesday, August 11, 1709”, in The Tatler, number 53; republished in [Richard Steele], editor, The Tatler, […], London stereotype edition, volume I, London: I. Walker and Co.; […], 1822, →OCLC:
"When the legislation was debated by the House of Commons, Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner said it was "riddled with holes", while former Conservative Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg said it was "badly written"."
— 2024 March 20, Conrad Landin, “"Farcical" Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act isn't working”, in RAIL, number 1005, page 25:
"Well knew they both his person, sith of late / With him in bloudie armes they rashly did debate."
— 1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, II.viii:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The panel engaged in a lively ____ about climate change.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Your decision is open to some ____.