Words / B2

di-BAYT-uh/dɪˈbeɪtə/

A debater is a person who takes part in a formal discussion of a motion: a skilled debater; team debaters. Debate is the event; speaker is broader; advocate is the legal twin. Name the debater in the transcript, then the motion. Mix-up: debater vs debtor; debate; do not write debater for a heckler who did not take a side in the source.

Meaning

A person who takes part in a formal discussion of a motion.

Examples

• “Name the debater in the transcript, then the motion, the English paper said.”
• “A school debater featured in the club minutes, which is still a named motion — quote for or against.”

Good to know

a skilled / lead debater; team debaters. Event: debate. Close: speaker / advocate. Trap: debtor / a heckler. English and citizenship. Someone who argues a motion — name the motion and the side.

Near in meaning

speaker, advocate, arguer

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