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Added 9 October 2026

debate

/dɪˈbeɪt/ noun

In Latin: disputō Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about debate at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal.
the argument over foreign aid goes on and on
The formal presentation of a stated proposition and the opposition to it (usually followed by a vote).

verb

Argue with one another.
We debated the question of abortion
Think about carefully; weigh.
They considered the possibility of a strike
Discuss the pros and cons of an issue.

Origin

From Middle English debaten, from Old French debatre (“to fight, contend, debate, also literally to beat down”), from Romanic desbattere, from Latin dis- (“apart, in different directions”) + battuō (“to beat, to fence”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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