debate

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A formal discussion in which people give opposing views, often ending in a vote.

   There was a lively debate in parliament about the new law.

2. 2
   noun

   Discussion or argument about a subject where people disagree.

   There is much debate about the causes of climate change.

3. 3
   verb

   To discuss or argue about a subject, often formally.

   The students debated the question of free education.

4. 4
   verb

   To think carefully about something before deciding.

   She debated whether to accept the new job.

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”).

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