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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Debate Definition: Formal Discussion & Careful Consideration (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：formal discussion (debate)

debate 🔊

/dɪˈbeɪt/

A formal discussion where people argue about different ideas on a topic.

formal discussion 🔊

➕

/ˈfɔːrməl dɪˈskʌʃən/

A structured exchange of arguments on a specific topic, often with opposing sides and a moderator.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'debattere' (de- 'down' + battuere 'to beat'), originally 'to fight'.

💡 Mnemonic

Debate: two sides 'de' (down) 'bate' (beat) each other with words.

📖 Example

Our class held a debate on whether smartphones should be banned in schools. 🔊 Our class held a debate on whether smartphones should be banned in schools.

🔗 Collocations

hot debate – An intense and heated discussion

public debate – A discussion open to the community or audience

debate team – A group of people who compete in formal debates

🔄 Synonyms

discussion (n.) – A conversation or exchange of ideas on a topic

argument (n.) – A reason or set of reasons given to support a point of view

deliberation (n.) – Long and careful consideration or discussion

🚫 Antonyms

agreement (n.) – A state of harmony or consensus

consensus (n.) – General agreement among a group

🌱 Derivatives

debater (n.) – A person who takes part in a debate

debatable (adj.) – Open to discussion or argument

debating (adj./n.) – Related to the activity of debating

📖 Cultural Story

From Latin 'debattere' (beat down), via Old French 'debatre', the term evolved to mean structured argument. It embodies the clash of ideas in politics, law, and academia.

Meaning 2：consider carefully (debate)

debate 🔊

/dɪˈbeɪt/

To think about something carefully, usually when you have to make a decision.

Debate careful consideration with person on bench thinking between two choices

consider carefully 🔊

➕

/kənˈsɪdər ˈkerfəli/

To think about or weigh different options before making a decision.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

I'm still debating whether to buy the new laptop now or wait for a sale. 🔊 I'm still debating whether to buy the new laptop now or wait for a sale.

🔗 Collocations

debate an issue – To discuss or consider a particular matter thoroughly

debate whether – To think about whether something is true or should be done

debate the merits – To examine the advantages and disadvantages of something

🔄 Synonyms

consider (v.) – To think carefully about something

ponder (v.) – To think about something deeply and for a long time

deliberate (v.) – To think over or discuss something carefully

🚫 Antonyms

ignore (v.) – To refuse to take notice of something

disregard (v.) – To pay no attention to something

🌱 Derivatives

debater (n.) – A person who takes part in a debate

debatable (adj.) – Open to discussion or argument

debating (adj./n.) – Related to the activity of debating