debate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal
    argumentation; argument.
    • the argument over foreign aid goes on and on
  2. noun the formal presentation of a stated proposition and the opposition to it (usually followed by a vote)
    public debate; disputation.
  3. verb argue with one another
    • We debated the question of abortion
    • John debated Mary
  4. verb think about carefully; weigh
    moot; deliberate; turn over; consider.
    • They considered the possibility of a strike
    • Turn the proposal over in your mind
  5. verb discuss the pros and cons of an issue
    deliberate.
  6. verb have an argument about something
    contend; argue; fence.

WordNet

De*bate" transitive verb
Etymology
OF. debatre, F. débattre; L. de + batuere to beat. See Batter, v. t., and cf. Abate.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Debated; present participle & verbal noun Debating
Definitions
  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" intransitive verb
Definitions
  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" noun
Etymology
F. débat, fr. débattre. See Debate, v. t.
Definitions
  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.

Webster 1913