Debate
Debate is a process that involves formal discussion on a particular topic. In a debate, opposing arguments are put forward to argue for opposing viewpoints. Debate occurs in public meetings, academic institutions, and legislative assemblies. It is a formal type of discussion, often with a moderator and an audience, in addition to the debate participants.
Logical consistency, factual accuracy and some degree of emotional appeal to the audience are elements in debating, where one side often prevails over the other party by presenting a superior “context” or framework of the issue. In a formal debating contest, there are rules for participants to discuss and decide on differences, within a framework defining how they will do it.
Debating is carried out in debating chambers and assemblies of various types to discuss matters and to make resolutions about action to be taken, often by voting. Deliberative bodies such as parliaments, legislative assemblies, and meetings of all sorts engage in debates. In particular, in parliamentary democracies a legislature debates and decides on new laws. Formal debates between candidates for elected office, such as the leaders debates, are sometimes held in democracies. Debating is also carried out for educational and recreational purposes, usually associated with educational establishments and debating societies.Informal and forum debate is relatively common, shown by TV shows such as the Australian talk show, Q&A. The outcome of a contest may be decided by audience vote, by judges, or by some combination of the two.
Debate (noun)
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.”
Debate (noun)
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.”
Debate (noun)
Discussion of opposing views.
“There has been considerable debate concerning exactly how to format these articles.”
Debate (noun)
A type of literary composition, taking the form of a discussion or disputation, commonly found in the medieval Latin.
Debate (noun)
Strife, discord.
Debate (verb)
To participate in a debate; to dispute, argue, especially in a public arena. from 14th c.
Debate (verb)
To fight. 14th-17th c.
Debate (verb)
To engage in combat for; to strive for.
Debate (verb)
To consider (to oneself), to think over, to attempt to decide
Discussion (noun)
Conversation or debate concerning a particular topic.
“There was then a long discussion of whether to capitalize words like “east”.”
“This topic is not open to discussion.”
“My discussion with the professor was very enlightening.”
Discussion (noun)
Text giving further detail on a subject.
“Under each heading, you will find a discussion.”
Discussion (noun)
The dispersion of a tumour.
Debate (noun)
a formal discussion on a particular matter in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward and which usually ends with a vote
“last night’s debate on the Education Bill”
Debate (noun)
an argument about a particular subject, especially one in which many people are involved
“there has been much debate about prices”
“the national debate on abortion”
Debate (verb)
argue about (a subject), especially in a formal manner
“MPs debated the issue in the Commons”
“members of the society debated for five nights”
Debate (verb)
consider a possible course of action in one’s mind before reaching a decision
“he debated whether he should leave the matter alone or speak to her”
Discussion (noun)
the action or process of talking about something in order to reach a decision or to exchange ideas
“the EC directive is currently under discussion”
“the committee acts as a forum for discussion”
Discussion (noun)
a conversation or debate about a specific topic
“discussions about environmental improvement”
Discussion (noun)
a detailed treatment of a topic in speech or writing
“see Appendix One, for a more detailed discussion”