debate

de|bate¹ W2S1 [dıˈbeıt] n

1.) [U and C]

discussion of a particular subject that often continues for a long time and in which people express different opinions

▪ the gun-control debate in the US

▪ The new drug has become the subject of heated debate within the medical profession.

debate over/about

▪ There has been widespread public debate over the introduction of genetically modified food.

▪ There was much lively debate about whether women should spend more time in the home.

▪ A fierce debate raged over which artist's work should be chosen for the prize.

debate between

▪ the ongoing debate between environmentalists and the road-building lobby over the future of our countryside

▪ Nuclear power has always been a topic that has sparked off considerable debate .

2.) [U and C]

a formal discussion of a particular problem, subject etc in which people express different opinions, and sometimes vote on them

debate on/over/about

▪ a debate on legalized gambling

▪ a televised debate

have/hold/conduct a debate

▪ It would have been better to hold the debate during the day.

be under debate

▪ What topics are under debate in Congress this week?

3.) be open to debate also be a matter for debate

if an idea is open to debate, no one has proved yet whether it is true or false

= ↑debatable

▪ Whether that would have made any difference is open to debate.

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COLLOCATES for sense 1

heated/fierce/intense debate (=one in which people express strong and very different opinions)

widespread debate

lively debate

public debate

a debate rages (=it happens over a period of time and people have strong feelings about it)

long-running debate

ongoing debate (=continuing debate)

provoke/trigger/spark off a debate (=cause a debate)

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debate ²

debate² v [I and T]

[Date: 1200-1300; : Old French; Origin: debatre, from batre 'to hit']

1.) to discuss a subject formally when you are trying to make a decision or find a solution

▪ The issue will be debated on Tuesday.

debate whether/what/how etc

▪ Meanwhile, philosophers debate whether it's right to clone an individual.

debate (sth) with sb

▪ an invitation to debate with William on the future of democracy

▪ His conclusions are hotly debated (=argued about strongly) .

2.) to consider something carefully before making a decision

debate with yourself

▪ I debated with myself whether I should tell anyone.

debate who/what/how etc

▪ I'm still debating what to do.

debate doing sth

▪ For a moment Mary debated telling Rick the truth.