DEBATE • FREE-TRANSLATOR.COM • Definition of Debate

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/dəbˈeɪt/ Listen

noun

Debate n.

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." "But question fierce and proud reply Gave signal soon of dire debate."

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."

3.

Subject of discussion. (R.) "Statutes and edicts concerning this debate."

verb

Debate v. t. (past & past part. debated; pres. part. debating)

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."

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." "Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself."

Synonyms: To argue; discuss; dispute; controvert. See Argue, and Discuss.

Debate v. i.

1.

To engage in strife or combat; to fight. (Obs.) "Well could he tourney and in lists debate."

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."

See images of 'Debate'

Etymology of 'Debate'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Debate" Quotes from Famous Books

... There was some debate about it. At last, it was resolved to leave eight Marines and four seamen on the Island, besides the sloop's two boys. And because it was considered that the friendly Sambos would only want to be commanded in ...

— The Perils of Certain English Prisoners • Charles Dickens

... debate on Lord North's warlike resolution for an address to the King, and Lord John Cavendish's amendment to it; ...

— The Loyalists of America and Their Times, Vol. 1 of 2 - From 1620-1816 • Egerton Ryerson

... Debate, which has had general effect of depressing the human mind, acted upon CRANBORNE like electric shock. Astonished and interested House to-night by vigorous speech delivered in favour of Bill. With clenched hands and set teeth ...

— Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 98, April 5, 1890 • Various

... and, though his library was contained in a closet of five feet square, he was abundantly well informed on every ordinary topic of conversation. He was fond of controversial discussion, and wielded both argument and wit with a power alarming to every antagonist. Though keen in debate, he was however possessed of a most imperturbable suavity of temper. His conversation was of a playful cast, interspersed with anecdote, and free from every affectation of learning. As a clergyman, Mr Skinner enjoyed the esteem and veneration ...

— The Modern Scottish Minstrel, Volumes I-VI. - The Songs of Scotland of the Past Half Century • Various

... uncheck'd, heroic WOOD! Regardless what the player's son may prate, Saint Stephens' fool, the Zany of Debate— Who nothing generous ever understood. London's twice Praetor! scorn the fool-born jest— The stage's scum, and refuse of the players— Stale topics against Magistrates and Mayors— City and Country both thy worth attest. Bid him leave off his shallow Eton wit, More fit ...

— The Works of Charles and Mary Lamb IV - Poems and Plays • Charles and Mary Lamb

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