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- pronunciation:
- dih
beIt
- parts of speech:
- noun, verb
- features:
- Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word Explorer, Word Parts
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
a discussion between two people or groups who disagree on an important subject.
The debate in Congress lasted two days.- similar words:
- argument, controversy, disagreement, discussion, dispute
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| definition 2: |
a kind of competition between two people or two teams who disagree on particular issue or set of issues. Each side is given certain amounts of time in which they can talk and present their argument. When one side talks, the other side must be quiet. A debate like this is done in front of an audience.
Their team won the debate easily because they spoke well and gave a lot of facts to support their argument.
- similar words:
- competition, contest
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| related words: |
critique, uproar |
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| part of speech: |
verb |
| inflections: |
debates, debating, debated |
| definition 1: |
to discuss the different sides of a subject or issue.
The town council members have been debating for over an hour, but they still haven't come to a decision.- synonyms:
- argue, contend
- similar words:
- deliberate, oppose
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| definition 2: |
to try to make a decision about something; think over.
Kayla is debating whether to take piano lessons or play basketball after school.- synonyms:
- consider, ponder
- similar words:
- contemplate, meditate, reason
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| related words: |
argue, contest, discuss, protest |
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| derivation: |
debater (n.) |
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