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- pronunciation:
- dih
beIt
- parts of speech:
- noun, intransitive verb, transitive verb
- features:
- Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word Explorer, Word Parts
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
a discussion of two opposing viewpoints, usu. in a formal meeting or assembly.
The debate in Congress over the issue of voting machines continues.- synonyms:
- deliberation, disputation
- similar words:
- argument, controversy, disagreement, discussion, dispute
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| definition 2: |
a formal, structured, and usu. public contest in which two speakers, or two teams of speakers, argue opposing viewpoints on a specific proposition.
Tonight's debate will be on the topic of the future use of coal as an energy source.Their team argued brilliantly, and they won the debate easily.
- similar words:
- argumentation, competition, contest
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| related words: |
altercation, argument, critique, dialogue, uproar |
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| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| inflections: |
debates, debating, debated |
| definition 1: |
to discuss or argue different points of a matter.
There is no use debating with them; they've already made up their minds.- synonyms:
- argue, contend, dispute
- similar words:
- altercate, deliberate, oppose
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| definition 2: |
to engage in a formal debate.
The two teams will debate this evening.- synonyms:
- contend
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| related words: |
argue, canvass, dialogue, protest |
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| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| definition 1: |
to discuss or argue (an issue or issues).
The town council will be debating the issue of whether or not to build another parking garage downtown.- synonyms:
- argue, contend, controvert, discuss, dispute
- similar words:
- bandy, oppose, protest
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| definition 2: |
to contend with in a formal debate.
When she debated the senator in the last election, she came out well.- synonyms:
- contend
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| definition 3: |
to ponder or consider; think over.
I am debating whether to go or just stay home.- synonyms:
- consider, deliberate, ponder
- similar words:
- cogitate, contemplate, meditate, reason
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| related words: |
argue, bat around, canvass, contest, deliberate, discuss |
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| derivation: |
debater (n.) |
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