debate

/dɪˈbeɪt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: debates · debating · debated

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To participate in a debate; to dispute, argue, especially in a public arena.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

tham gia tranh luận, tranh cãi, đặc biệt là ở nơi công cộng

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Verb

Examples

"Debate me, coward!" snarled the completely normal intellectual.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To consider (to oneself), to think over, to attempt to decide

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

xem xét, suy nghĩ, cố gắng quyết định

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Verb

Examples

He was debating where he'd spend his holiday.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

An argument, or discussion, usually in an ordered or formal setting, often with more than two people, generally ending with a vote or other decision.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

tranh luận正式

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Noun

Examples

After a four-hour debate, the committee voted to table the motion.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

An informal and spirited but generally civil discussion of opposing views.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Một cuộc thảo luận không chính thức nhưng sôi nổi và thường dân chủ về quan điểm đối lập

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Noun

Examples

The debate over the age of the universe is thousands of years old.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “debate” mean?

To participate in a debate; to dispute, argue, especially in a public arena.

Is “debate” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.