debate

/dɪˈbeɪt/

/dɪˈbeɪt/

Other forms: debates; debated; debating

Another word for formally discuss is debate. Cheese lovers often debate the merits of gorgonzola, triple creme brie, and gouda. Of course, they need to accompany their arguments with a taste test!

A debate is a kind of respectful, well reasoned argument over opposing points of view, although tensions can run high and voices can be raised. In fact, the verb evolved from the Old French debatre, meaning “to fight.” Most formal debates, during a political campaign for example, keep the battles to a minimum. But if you find yourself in the midst of a debate between a Red Sox fan and a Yankees fan, things could get ugly!

Definitions of debate

1. noun

   a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal
   synonyms: argument, argumentation

   types:

   logomachy

   argument about words or the meaning of words

   type of:

   discussion, give-and-take, word

   an exchange of views on some topic
2. noun

   the formal presentation of a stated proposition and the opposition to it (usually followed by a vote)
   synonyms: disputation, public debate

   type of:

   oral presentation, public speaking, speaking, speechmaking

   delivering an address to a public audience
3. verb

   discuss the pros and cons of an issue
   synonyms: deliberate

   types:

   vex

   subject to prolonged examination, discussion, or deliberation

   type of:

   discuss, hash out, talk over

   speak with others about (something); talk (something) over in detail; have a discussion
4. verb

   argue with one another
   “John debated Mary”

   type of:

   consider, deliberate, moot, prepend, turn over

   think about carefully; weigh
5. verb

   have an argument about something
   synonyms: argue, contend, fence

   types:

   stickle

   dispute or argue stubbornly (especially minor points)

   spar

   fight verbally

   bicker, brabble, niggle, pettifog, quibble, squabble

   argue over petty things

   altercate, argufy, dispute, quarrel, scrap

   have a disagreement over something

   oppose

   be against; express opposition to

   brawl, wrangle

   quarrel noisily, angrily or disruptively

   spat

   engage in a brief and petty quarrel

   polemicise, polemicize, polemise, polemize

   engage in a controversy

   fall out

   have a breach in relations

   contend, contest, repugn

   make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation

   type of:

   converse, discourse

   carry on a conversation
6. verb

   think about carefully; weigh
   synonyms: consider, deliberate, moot, prepend, turn over

   consider, study

   give careful consideration to

   types:

   see

   deliberate or decide

   premeditate

   consider, ponder, or plan (an action) beforehand

   wrestle

   engage in deep thought, consideration, or debate

   think twice

   consider and reconsider carefully

   type of:

   discuss, hash out, talk over

   speak with others about (something); talk (something) over in detail; have a discussion