Definitions for: Debate


[n] a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal; "the argument over foreign aid goes on and on"
[n] the formal presentation of and opposition to a stated proposition (usually followed by a vote)
[v] argue with one another; "We debated the question of abortion"; "John debated Mary"
[v] have an argument about something
[v] discuss the pros and cons of an issue
[v] think about carefully; weigh; "They considered the possibility of a strike"; "Turn the proposal over in your mind"



Webster (1913) Definition: De*bate", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Debated; p. pr. & vb.
n. Debating.] [OF. debatre, F. d['e]battre; L. de + batuere
to beat. See Batter, v. t., and cf. Abate.]
1. To engage in combat for; to strive for.

Volunteers . . . thronged to serve under his banner,
and the cause of religion was debated with the same
ardor in Spain as on the plains of Palestine.
--Prescott.

2. To contend for in words or arguments; to strive to
maintain by reasoning; to dispute; to contest; to discuss;
to argue for and against.

A wise council . . . that did debate this business.
--Shak.

Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself. --Prov.
xxv. 9.

Syn: To argue; discuss; dispute; controvert. See Argue, and
Discuss.


De*bate", v. i.
1. To engage in strife or combat; to fight. [Obs.] --Chaucer.

Well could he tourney and in lists debate.
--Spenser.

2. To contend in words; to dispute; hence, to deliberate; to
consider; to discuss or examine different arguments in the
mind; -- often followed by on or upon.

He presents that great soul debating upon the
subject of life and death with his intimate friends.
--Tatler.


De*bate", n. [F. d['e]bat, fr. d['e]battre. See
Debate, v. t.]
1. A fight or fighting; contest; strife. [Archaic]

On the day of the Trinity next ensuing was a great
debate . . . and in that murder there were slain . .
. fourscore. --R. of
Gloucester.

But question fierce and proud reply Gave signal soon
of dire debate. --Sir W.
Scott.

2. Contention in words or arguments; discussion for the
purpose of elucidating truth or influencing action; strife
in argument; controversy; as, the debates in Parliament or
in Congress.

Heard, noted, answer'd, as in full debate. --Pope.

3. Subject of discussion. [R.]

Statutes and edicts concerning this debate.
--Milton.

Synonyms: argue, argument, argumentation, consider, contend, deliberate, disputation, fence, moot, public debate, turn over

See Also: altercate, argufy, bicker, brabble, consider, consult, converse, debate, debate, deliberate, differ, disagree, discourse, discuss, discussion, dispute, dissent, give-and-take, moot, niggle, oppose, oral presentation, pettifog, premeditate, public speaking, quarrel, quibble, scrap, see, spar, speaking, speechmaking, squabble, stickle, take counsel, take issue, talk over, think twice, turn over, vex, word, wrestle

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