debate
/dɪˈbeɪt/ noun A2- 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. · After a four-hour debate, the committee voted to table the motion.
- An informal and spirited but generally civil discussion of opposing views. · The debate over the age of the universe is thousands of years old.· There was a bit of a debate over who should pay for the damaged fence.
- Discussion of opposing views. · There has been considerable debate concerning exactly how to format these articles.
- A type of literary composition, taking the form of a discussion or disputation, commonly found in the vernacular medieval poetry of many European countries, as well as in medieval Latin.
Plural debates
From the library
Presently they came up to a group of old men in earnest debate.
I looked back as I rounded the far end of it, and saw that they were still talking very earnestly together, and, as they were gazing after me, it was clear that it was our interview that was the subject of their debate.
“If I did not fear to fatigue you,” said the general, evidently charmed with the count’s manners, “I would have taken you to the Chamber; there is a debate very curious to those who are strangers to our modern senators.”
de Morcerf, and that of the whole House, he proposed to defend, by provoking a debate on personal questions, which are always such painful themes of discussion.
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