debate

Definitions

From Old French debatre = de- ('down') + batre ('to beat'), from Latin battuere — a cousin of Old English beatan, not a descendant. A debate is a 'beating down' of an argument: two sides strike at each other's positions until one gives way. The sense 'to weigh in one's mind' (debate whether to go) keeps the idea of an inner contest.

Common Collocations

• 1.heated debate激烈辩论
• 2.public debate公开辩论
• 3.open to debate有待商榷
• 4.debate whether斟酌是否

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The two candidates will debate live on television.

• 2.

  There was a heated debate about the new policy.

• 3.

  I'm still debating whether to take the job.