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English noun: debate

1. debate (communication) a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal


SamplesThe argument over foreign aid goes on and on.


Synonymsargument, argumentation


Broader (hypernym)discussion, give-and-take, word


Narrower (hyponym)logomachy

2. debate (communication) the formal presentation of a stated proposition and the opposition to it (usually followed by a vote)


Synonymsdisputation, public debate


Broader (hypernym)oral presentation, public speaking, speaking, speechmaking


English verb: debate

1. debate (cognition) argue with one another


SamplesWe debated the question of abortion.
John debated Mary.


ExamplesSam and Sue debate, Sam cannot debate Sue


Pattern of useSomebody ----s.
Somebody ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)consider, debate, deliberate, moot, turn over

2. debate (communication) think about carefully; weigh


SamplesThey considered the possibility of a strike.
Turn the proposal over in your mind.


ExamplesThey debate moving


Synonymsconsider, deliberate, moot, turn over


Pattern of useSomebody ----s.
Somebody ----s something PP.
Somebody ----s that CLAUSE.
Somebody ----s whether INFINITIVE


Broader (hypernym)discuss, hash out, talk over


Narrower (hyponym)debate, premeditate, see, think twice, wrestle


Verb groupconsider, study

3. debate (communication) discuss the pros and cons of an issue


ExamplesSam and Sue debate, The cool air does debate good


Synonymsdeliberate


Pattern of useSomebody ----s.
Somebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)discuss, hash out, talk over


Narrower (hyponym)vex

4. debate (communication) have an argument about something


Synonymsargue, contend, fence


Pattern of useSomebody ----s.
Somebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s PP


Broader (hypernym)converse, discourse


Narrower (hyponym)altercate, argufy, bicker, brabble, dispute, niggle, oppose, pettifog, quarrel, quibble, scrap, spar, squabble, stickle


Entaildiffer, disagree, dissent, take issue









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
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