Words / B1

di-BAYT/dɪˈbeɪt/

A debate is a structured argument with more than one view: a public debate; a televised debate; debate whether + clause. Discussion can be informal; argument often sounds angry or personal. Debate is also a verb: they debated the new law. House of Commons debates are a UK news staple. Do not use debate for a private row at the dinner table — that is an argument.

Meaning

A formal discussion in which people express different opinions.

Examples

• “There was a lively debate about phones in the classroom.”
• “The class held a debate on whether cities should ban diesel cars.”
• “MPs will debate the bill in the Commons on Tuesday.”

Good to know

a public / televised debate; debate whether. Verb: debate the issue. Informal talk: discussion. Angry row: argument.

Near in meaning

discussion

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