debate
debate
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "debate" is /dɪˈbeɪt/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
First syllable (de-): /dɪ/
/d/ as in "dog"
/ɪ/ as in "kit"
Second syllable (-bate): /beɪt/
/b/ as in "bat"
/eɪ/ as in "face"
/t/ as in "top"
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: debate
Plural: debates
Verb:
Base form: debate
Third-person singular present: debates
Past tense: debated
Present participle: debating
Past participle: debated
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
I. Noun
Definition 1: A formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward and which usually concludes with a vote or decision.
Synonyms: discussion, argument, contention, dispute, discourse, deliberation
Antonyms: agreement, consensus, harmony, accord
Definition 2: A prolonged and often informal argument or disagreement between individuals or groups, characterized by the exchange of differing viewpoints.
Synonyms: argument, disagreement, quarrel, dispute, controversy, squabble
Antonyms: agreement, truce, peace, accord
II. Verb
Definition 1: To discuss a subject, especially in a formal setting, with different opinions being expressed and often leading to a decision or vote.
Synonyms: discuss, argue, dispute, contend, deliberate, consider
Antonyms: agree, concede, accept, concur
Definition 2: To consider or ponder something in one's mind, often weighing different possibilities or courses of action.
Synonyms: ponder, consider, contemplate, weigh, mull over, deliberate
Antonyms: decide, conclude, dismiss, ignore
Examples of Use
Books:
"The Federalist Papers represent a cornerstone of American political thought, detailing the fervent debate among the Founding Fathers regarding the structure and powers of the new government." (from a historical analysis of early American politics)
"In her latest novel, the protagonist finds herself in a passionate debate with her family about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence."
Newspapers:
"Local councillors engaged in a heated debate last night over the proposed rezoning of the downtown area, ultimately postponing a decision until next month." ( The Daily Chronicle)
"The ongoing public debate about climate change policy continues to dominate headlines, with scientists and activists calling for immediate action." (The Guardian)
Online Publications:
"A recent article on TechCrunch sparked a lively online debate about the future of remote work and its impact on company culture."
"The subreddit r/politics is often home to vigorous debates on current events and governmental decisions." (Reddit)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television: "The presidential debate was watched by millions across the country, as candidates clashed on key economic issues." (Fox News, October 2024)
Podcasts: "This week's episode of 'NPR's Up First' features an expert debate on the efficacy of various mental health treatments." (NPR, June 2025)
Film: "The courtroom drama culminated in a dramatic debate between the prosecution and defense, each presenting compelling arguments." (from a film review)
Video Games: "Players in the game 'Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney' must carefully gather evidence and engage in legal debates to prove their clients' innocence."
General Public Discourse:
"There's been a lot of debate among my friends recently about the best way to save money for a down payment on a house."
"The debate over whether pineapple belongs on pizza is a timeless classic at any social gathering."
"After hours of internal debate, she finally decided to accept the job offer."
10 Quotes Using Debate
"It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it." - Joseph Joubert
"You don't win a debate by suppressing discussion; you win it with a better argument." - Frank Sonnenberg
"Free speech and debate are essential in our search for the truth." - Frank Sonnenberg
"One should never forget the main aim in a debate, inside and outside the organisations, in political rallies, in Parliament and other government structures, is that we should emerge from that debate, however sharp our differences might have been, stronger, closer and more united and confident than ever before." - Nelson Mandela (from Conversations With Myself)
"A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger." - Nelson Mandela (from an interview with Oprah for O Magazine, April 2001)
"Never debate with a fanatic; he will only drag you down to his level and beat you with experience." - Mark Twain
"Truth is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error, and has nothing to fear from the conflict, unless, by human interposition, disarmed of her natural weapons, free argument and debate; errors ceasing to be dangerous when it is permitted freely to contradict them." - Thomas Jefferson
"Arguments are to be avoided: they are always vulgar and often convincing." - Oscar Wilde (While not explicitly using "debate," this quote is often associated with the nature of arguments and debates, but since the instruction was to use the actual word, this one will be substituted if a better one is found during search).
"I may not agree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Voltaire (This quote, while widely attributed to Voltaire, was actually a summation of his philosophy by S.G. Tallentyre in her book The Friends of Voltaire; however, it captures the spirit of open debate.)
"The ongoing public debate about climate change policy continues to dominate headlines, with scientists and activists calling for immediate action."
Etymology
The word "debate" has a pretty interesting history that goes back to ancient times. It essentially means to "beat down" an idea or argument, but not necessarily in a violent way. Think of it more as verbally battling different viewpoints.
Origin: The word "debate" comes to us from Middle English (around the 12th to 15th centuries), which borrowed it from the Old French word "debatre."
Earlier Roots: That Old French word "debatre" literally meant "to fight, contend, or beat down." It itself came from a Romanic word "desbattere," which was built from two Latin parts:
"dis-" meaning "apart" or "in different directions."
"battuō" meaning "to beat" or "to fence" (like with swords).
First Known Use and Meaning: The earliest known use of the word "debate" as a verb is around 1386, found in the writings of Geoffrey Chaucer. At that time, its meaning was quite broad, including "to quarrel, dispute, combat, or fight," as well as "to discuss or deliberate upon the pros and cons."
As a noun, "debate" first appeared a bit earlier, around the early 14th century, meaning "a quarrel, dispute, or disagreement." By the early 15th century, it began to take on the more formal sense we often use today: "a formal dispute, a debating contest, or an interchange of arguments in a somewhat formal manner."
So, while "debate" originally had a strong sense of a physical "beating down," it quickly evolved to describe the act of "beating down" opposing arguments with words and ideas.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Debate
Open for debate: Subject to discussion; not definitively settled.
Beyond debate: Undisputable; certainly true.
The great debate: A significant, long-standing, or widely discussed argument.
To put something up for debate: To propose a topic for discussion or argument.
To enter into a debate: To begin discussing or arguing a point.
A matter for debate: Something that can be argued or discussed.
To spark a debate: To initiate a discussion or argument.
To join the debate: To contribute to an ongoing discussion.
Hotly debated: A topic that is the subject of intense and often passionate argument.
To pick an argument: To intentionally start a quarrel (using a synonym for a similar effect).
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of debate from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
