Definition of debate in English:

debate

noun dɪˈbeɪtdəˈbeɪt

1A 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.
正式讨论，争论
last night's debate on the Education Bill
Example sentencesExamples
- They also called for a debate on the subject to be held in the European Parliament.
- Watt committed himself to holding more public debates and discussions separate from council meetings.
- Switzerland, with its generally slower pace and its thorough political debates before votes are held, may be the exception.
- The second question is, why were all the meetings and debates on the budget closed to the public?
- In the key parliamentary debate on Tuesday he voted in support of the war.
- She is always on the move, always between important committee meetings and debates in the Lords and media interviews and court appearances.
- Not one public meeting or debate has been organised by the council.
- A debate in parliament was interrupted for an announcement of Germany's victory.
- In yesterday's debate, Mr Wicks acknowledged the " complexity " of the problems facing former mining areas.
- Many of the big meetings allowed little time for discussion, so most debates took place informally or at smaller meetings and seminars.
- We can constantly intervene in discussions and debates and ask why questions are framed in the way they are.
- More than any other events on the campaign trail this year, the debates have drawn intense public interest.
- The records on televised presidential debates are unequivocal.
- In the first couple of activists' meetings there were debates about selling Socialist Worker and holding Marxist forums.
- Both bids had previously been turned down by members of the District Council following debates at planning meetings.
- I am looking forward to the National Party's contribution to tonight's debate.
- Local party and trade union delegates also voted for debates on the issues of public services, pensions, employment rights and manufacturing.
- In those circumstances the House does not need to hold an urgent debate on the matter today.
- The Deputy First Minister has tabled two amendments for the final debate on Wednesday.
- Pendle councillors held a debate on phone masts and called for more power to decide where they went.
Synonyms
discussion, exchange of views, discourse, parley
argument, dispute, wrangle, altercation, war of words
arguing, argumentation, wrangling, sparring, disputation, dissension, disagreement, controversy, contention, conflict, disharmony
negotiations, talks
dialogue, comment, interest
informal confab, powwow, rap session
rare velitation, contestation
1. 1.1 An argument about a particular subject, especially one in which many people are involved.
  讨论，辩论，论战
  the national debate on abortion
  关于流产的全国性辩论。
  mass noun there has been much debate about prices
  关于价格问题已经有很多讨论了。
  Example sentencesExamples
  Love him or hate him, he is the subject of heated debates among fans.
  The debate on this subject will go on as long as the human race exists, so all I can do is raise a few points on the subject.
  Whether civil servants should wear a uniform is still a matter of public debate.
  Certain parts of the country are beginning to explore the uses of the site and get involved in serious debates.
  An ongoing debate is raging in Germany about the pros and cons of daycare for children.
  I wouldn't normally involve myself in debates or arguments about who should be American president.
  News filtered through as MPs debated the bill that will pay for the Olympic Games.
  In France, the nature, meaning and acceptability of his work remain the subject of debate.
  The research will also reignite the debate over the use of cannabis for other medicinal purposes.
  Now the great debate on smoking in public spaces is coming to Manchester.
  And while we're on the subject of national debates, the perennial one about the future of the BBC rumbles on.
  Motherhood - taken for granted for centuries - is now the subject of heated debates.
  The subject that dominates the debate about the new car is of course the styling.
  A vigorous debate is raging over the economic growth estimates.
  While the cause of the erratic weather is a subject of debate, a couple of its effects are clear.
  The book, published in 1999, sparked considerable public debate.
  Some of the by-laws generated heated public debate when they were published in their draft form.
  Adverts on television and in newspapers were designed to begin the public debate about the assembly.
  It is a subject that warrants wider debate and much more prompt action.
  This aspect of the debate has been the subject of much political and academic disagreement.
  One of the most vigorous philosophical debates of the century broke out among cosmologists during the 1930s and 1940s.
  Synonyms
  argument, quarrel, wrangle, squabble, altercation, dispute, disputation, war of words, contretemps, misunderstanding

verb dɪˈbeɪtdəˈbeɪt

[with object]

1Argue about (a subject), especially in a formal manner.
争论，讨论
MPs debated the issue in the Commons
下院议员在下院讨论这个问题。
no object members of the society debated for five nights
社团成员争论了五夜。
Example sentencesExamples
- The item had not been included on the agenda, which meant the committee could not debate the issue.
- Further rioting followed and the subject was debated in the Reichstag.
- The issue of the bridge came up again, for the second month in a row, and again the topic was hotly debated.
- Last Tuesday the issue was debated by the Scottish parliament's European committee.
- He hoped MPs would be able to debate the issue and persuade the government to change its stance.
- The trust's financial recovery plan was also debated at the meeting.
- I would have thought the fact that Parliament is debating this legislation shows parliamentary power.
- There are working groups and study groups still debating the issues.
- The role of physiotherapy in prevention and management of pulmonary disease has been debated for decades.
- In essence, that is why we are here today debating this bill.
- He may let parliament debate the matter, if it suits him.
- But when it came to the price of salt, the commissioners spent many hours debating the subject.
- The Law Society of Scotland is set to debate the issue of child offenders and child rights at a conference in May.
- Reports on highly specialist issues are debated, but with little detail.
- Last night the House of Lords debated a proposal to extend research on human embryos.
- Congress is now debating agricultural policy for the new millennium.
- Five protesters managed to evade security to enter the chamber as MPs debated the controversial issue.
- The Bill, brought under the ten-minute rule, is due to be debated by MPs on Tuesday.
- Reproductive cloning will be debated at the Royal Society of Edinburgh on November 5.
- For decades, experts have debated the relative merits of nonprofit vs. for-profit hospitals.
Synonyms
discuss, confer about, talk over, talk through, talk about, exchange views on, exchange views about, thrash out, argue, argue about, argue the pros and cons of, dispute, wrangle over, bandy words concerning, contend over, contest, controvert, moot
informal kick around/about, bat around/about
archaic altercate
1. 1.1with clause Consider a possible course of action in one's mind before reaching a decision.
  思考，考虑
  he debated whether he should leave the matter alone or speak to her
  他在考虑是顺其自然还是和她谈谈。
  Example sentencesExamples
  Her mind was still debating which way to go when her body went ahead and chose for her.
  Sandra paused for a moment and debated in her mind as to whether she should go or not.
  I stared at the plate for a while debating whether to try it.
  I was debating whether or not to approach her and ask her if anything was wrong.
  The sisters themselves were equally nervous, debating whether or not to go for just a half container.
  She sat cross-legged with a confused look on her face, debating whether to ask or keep quiet until a better time.
  Audrey debated the issue for a minute, then bent down and gave Todd a peck on the cheek.
  I can see she is debating whether or not to tell me the truth.
  Brittany bit her lip for a moment as she debated which to choose.
  After all, once you are debating whether a work is art or not, you have already proven it is.
  I told him it was too late when I saw he was debating whether or not to tell me more.
  Christine looked at Jacquin, she was debating in her mind if she should talk to him or not.
  Terry, a big man in a rather loud suit, is openly debating whether to sign up now.
  After standing near the door debating whether or not to enter I decide just to go in.
  Still debating whether to call B. It would be such a step back if I do.
  After school, Kendra was debating with herself whether or not to go to practice.
  He waits by the phone, debating whether to make a trip to India to search for his son.
  Dennis put his bag down on the ground and stared at it, at if he was debating whether to open it.
  The person who bumped into her froze and was obviously debating whether or not to make a run for it.
  She took a sip of her iced tea, silently debating about whether to tell him or not.
  Synonyms
  consider, give some thought to, think over, think about, chew over, mull over, turn over in one's mind, weigh up, ponder, deliberate, reflect, contemplate, muse, meditate, cogitate
  archaic pore on
  rare cerebrate

Phrases

be open to debate

Be unproven and requiring further discussion.
有待讨论
whether a further wave of takeovers would benefit consumers is open to debate
Example sentencesExamples
- Whether this is because O-levels are harder or they needed longer to prepare is open to debate.
- Whether women are less ambitious than men is open to debate.
- How one goes about implementing that ideology is open to debate.
- How well specific juries expressed the people's will was open to debate.
- While overall no one would argue that a reduction in more serious accidents is anything less than encouraging, the part played by speed cameras in this is open to debate.
- The significance of this fact is open to debate.
- The penalty decision which followed is open to debate for the initial challenge took place outside the box, with the momentum of both players carrying them into the area.
- Just how much Yorkshire will benefit from his return is open to debate as the player is contracted to England.
- Furthermore, the true value of those benefits is open to debate.
- Whether Arsenal would have had the energy to withstand an 11-man challenge is open to debate.

under debate

Being discussed or disputed.
讨论中，争论中
the subject is still under debate
Example sentencesExamples
- The Commission is yet to come up with a final report, since the current document under debate is a draft document.
- Fisher's theory is just one of several hypotheses under debate today.
- One of the key policy discussions currently under debate is research on embryonic stem-cells.
- The new act, which is currently under debate, gives landlords the opportunity to catch up on rent increases not administered in the past three years without having to go through arbitration.
- Plans to radically shake up local government and to divide the country into elected regional assemblies are currently under debate.
- Can I ask the Leader of the Opposition to stick to the matter under debate?
- There's a controversial proposal under debate in New York City now that would give non-citizens a protected privilege of American citizenship, the right to vote.
- The working time directive which was under debate last week prevents employers from employing workers to work more than 48 hours per week.
- The exact details of these studies are under debate, but there is a consensus that the Earth formed about 4.6 billion years ago and that life began within the first billion years.
- But just what constitutes success is still under debate.

Origin

Middle English: via Old French from Latin dis- (expressing reversal) + battere 'to fight'.

Debate is a word that has undergone a considerable shift in meaning. At its root is Latin battere ‘to fight’, and this was the original English meaning of debate. From that it acquired the sense ‘quarrel’ and ‘dispute’, which rapidly led to the more civilized idea of something deliberated and discussed. The phrase debatable land (Middle English) for borderland claimed by two nations, particularly the area fought over by England and Scotland, keeps the original sense.

Definition of debate in US English:

debate

noundəˈbātdəˈbeɪt

1A formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward.
正式讨论，争论
Example sentencesExamples
- The records on televised presidential debates are unequivocal.
- Watt committed himself to holding more public debates and discussions separate from council meetings.
- Switzerland, with its generally slower pace and its thorough political debates before votes are held, may be the exception.
- A debate in parliament was interrupted for an announcement of Germany's victory.
- In the first couple of activists' meetings there were debates about selling Socialist Worker and holding Marxist forums.
- Both bids had previously been turned down by members of the District Council following debates at planning meetings.
- Not one public meeting or debate has been organised by the council.
- She is always on the move, always between important committee meetings and debates in the Lords and media interviews and court appearances.
- Local party and trade union delegates also voted for debates on the issues of public services, pensions, employment rights and manufacturing.
- In those circumstances the House does not need to hold an urgent debate on the matter today.
- In the key parliamentary debate on Tuesday he voted in support of the war.
- Pendle councillors held a debate on phone masts and called for more power to decide where they went.
- More than any other events on the campaign trail this year, the debates have drawn intense public interest.
- In yesterday's debate, Mr Wicks acknowledged the " complexity " of the problems facing former mining areas.
- We can constantly intervene in discussions and debates and ask why questions are framed in the way they are.
- The Deputy First Minister has tabled two amendments for the final debate on Wednesday.
- Many of the big meetings allowed little time for discussion, so most debates took place informally or at smaller meetings and seminars.
- I am looking forward to the National Party's contribution to tonight's debate.
- The second question is, why were all the meetings and debates on the budget closed to the public?
- They also called for a debate on the subject to be held in the European Parliament.
Synonyms
discussion, exchange of views, discourse, parley
1. 1.1 An argument about a particular subject, especially one in which many people are involved.
  讨论，辩论，论战
  the national debate on abortion
  关于流产的全国性辩论。
  there has been much debate about prices
  关于价格问题已经有很多讨论了。
  Example sentencesExamples
  Love him or hate him, he is the subject of heated debates among fans.
  I wouldn't normally involve myself in debates or arguments about who should be American president.
  The debate on this subject will go on as long as the human race exists, so all I can do is raise a few points on the subject.
  The research will also reignite the debate over the use of cannabis for other medicinal purposes.
  In France, the nature, meaning and acceptability of his work remain the subject of debate.
  News filtered through as MPs debated the bill that will pay for the Olympic Games.
  The book, published in 1999, sparked considerable public debate.
  The subject that dominates the debate about the new car is of course the styling.
  Certain parts of the country are beginning to explore the uses of the site and get involved in serious debates.
  A vigorous debate is raging over the economic growth estimates.
  Now the great debate on smoking in public spaces is coming to Manchester.
  Some of the by-laws generated heated public debate when they were published in their draft form.
  One of the most vigorous philosophical debates of the century broke out among cosmologists during the 1930s and 1940s.
  Whether civil servants should wear a uniform is still a matter of public debate.
  An ongoing debate is raging in Germany about the pros and cons of daycare for children.
  While the cause of the erratic weather is a subject of debate, a couple of its effects are clear.
  This aspect of the debate has been the subject of much political and academic disagreement.
  And while we're on the subject of national debates, the perennial one about the future of the BBC rumbles on.
  It is a subject that warrants wider debate and much more prompt action.
  Motherhood - taken for granted for centuries - is now the subject of heated debates.
  Adverts on television and in newspapers were designed to begin the public debate about the assembly.
  Synonyms
  argument, quarrel, wrangle, squabble, altercation, dispute, disputation, war of words, contretemps, misunderstanding

verbdəˈbātdəˈbeɪt

[with object]

1Argue about (a subject), especially in a formal manner.
争论，讨论
the board debated his proposal
the date when people first entered America is hotly debated
Example sentencesExamples
- There are working groups and study groups still debating the issues.
- The trust's financial recovery plan was also debated at the meeting.
- In essence, that is why we are here today debating this bill.
- The role of physiotherapy in prevention and management of pulmonary disease has been debated for decades.
- But when it came to the price of salt, the commissioners spent many hours debating the subject.
- Last night the House of Lords debated a proposal to extend research on human embryos.
- The issue of the bridge came up again, for the second month in a row, and again the topic was hotly debated.
- Congress is now debating agricultural policy for the new millennium.
- The Law Society of Scotland is set to debate the issue of child offenders and child rights at a conference in May.
- For decades, experts have debated the relative merits of nonprofit vs. for-profit hospitals.
- He may let parliament debate the matter, if it suits him.
- I would have thought the fact that Parliament is debating this legislation shows parliamentary power.
- The item had not been included on the agenda, which meant the committee could not debate the issue.
- Reproductive cloning will be debated at the Royal Society of Edinburgh on November 5.
- Further rioting followed and the subject was debated in the Reichstag.
- The Bill, brought under the ten-minute rule, is due to be debated by MPs on Tuesday.
- Reports on highly specialist issues are debated, but with little detail.
- Five protesters managed to evade security to enter the chamber as MPs debated the controversial issue.
- He hoped MPs would be able to debate the issue and persuade the government to change its stance.
- Last Tuesday the issue was debated by the Scottish parliament's European committee.
Synonyms
discuss, confer about, talk over, talk through, talk about, exchange views on, exchange views about, thrash out, argue, argue about, argue the pros and cons of, dispute, wrangle over, bandy words concerning, contend over, contest, controvert, moot
1. 1.1with clause Consider a possible course of action in one's mind before reaching a decision.
  思考，考虑
  he debated whether he should leave the matter alone or speak to her
  他在考虑是顺其自然还是和她谈谈。
  Example sentencesExamples
  Still debating whether to call B. It would be such a step back if I do.
  Her mind was still debating which way to go when her body went ahead and chose for her.
  After school, Kendra was debating with herself whether or not to go to practice.
  Dennis put his bag down on the ground and stared at it, at if he was debating whether to open it.
  I was debating whether or not to approach her and ask her if anything was wrong.
  She sat cross-legged with a confused look on her face, debating whether to ask or keep quiet until a better time.
  She took a sip of her iced tea, silently debating about whether to tell him or not.
  I stared at the plate for a while debating whether to try it.
  The sisters themselves were equally nervous, debating whether or not to go for just a half container.
  I can see she is debating whether or not to tell me the truth.
  After all, once you are debating whether a work is art or not, you have already proven it is.
  Christine looked at Jacquin, she was debating in her mind if she should talk to him or not.
  Sandra paused for a moment and debated in her mind as to whether she should go or not.
  He waits by the phone, debating whether to make a trip to India to search for his son.
  Terry, a big man in a rather loud suit, is openly debating whether to sign up now.
  Brittany bit her lip for a moment as she debated which to choose.
  Audrey debated the issue for a minute, then bent down and gave Todd a peck on the cheek.
  After standing near the door debating whether or not to enter I decide just to go in.
  The person who bumped into her froze and was obviously debating whether or not to make a run for it.
  I told him it was too late when I saw he was debating whether or not to tell me more.
  Synonyms
  consider, give some thought to, think over, think about, chew over, mull over, turn over in one's mind, weigh up, ponder, deliberate, reflect, contemplate, muse, meditate, cogitate

Phrases

be open to debate

Be unproven; require further discussion.
有待讨论
Example sentencesExamples
- The significance of this fact is open to debate.
- Whether women are less ambitious than men is open to debate.
- The penalty decision which followed is open to debate for the initial challenge took place outside the box, with the momentum of both players carrying them into the area.
- Whether this is because O-levels are harder or they needed longer to prepare is open to debate.
- How one goes about implementing that ideology is open to debate.
- While overall no one would argue that a reduction in more serious accidents is anything less than encouraging, the part played by speed cameras in this is open to debate.
- Whether Arsenal would have had the energy to withstand an 11-man challenge is open to debate.
- How well specific juries expressed the people's will was open to debate.
- Just how much Yorkshire will benefit from his return is open to debate as the player is contracted to England.
- Furthermore, the true value of those benefits is open to debate.

under debate

Being discussed or disputed.
讨论中，争论中
Example sentencesExamples
- The Commission is yet to come up with a final report, since the current document under debate is a draft document.
- Fisher's theory is just one of several hypotheses under debate today.
- Plans to radically shake up local government and to divide the country into elected regional assemblies are currently under debate.
- The new act, which is currently under debate, gives landlords the opportunity to catch up on rent increases not administered in the past three years without having to go through arbitration.
- Can I ask the Leader of the Opposition to stick to the matter under debate?
- One of the key policy discussions currently under debate is research on embryonic stem-cells.
- The working time directive which was under debate last week prevents employers from employing workers to work more than 48 hours per week.
- But just what constitutes success is still under debate.
- There's a controversial proposal under debate in New York City now that would give non-citizens a protected privilege of American citizenship, the right to vote.
- The exact details of these studies are under debate, but there is a consensus that the Earth formed about 4.6 billion years ago and that life began within the first billion years.

Origin

Middle English: via Old French from Latin dis- (expressing reversal) + battere ‘to fight’.

词汇	debate
释义	Definition of debate in English: debate noun dɪˈbeɪtdəˈbeɪt 1A 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. 正式讨论，争论 last night's debate on the Education Bill Example sentencesExamples They also called for a debate on the subject to be held in the European Parliament. Watt committed himself to holding more public debates and discussions separate from council meetings. Switzerland, with its generally slower pace and its thorough political debates before votes are held, may be the exception. The second question is, why were all the meetings and debates on the budget closed to the public? In the key parliamentary debate on Tuesday he voted in support of the war. She is always on the move, always between important committee meetings and debates in the Lords and media interviews and court appearances. Not one public meeting or debate has been organised by the council. A debate in parliament was interrupted for an announcement of Germany's victory. In yesterday's debate, Mr Wicks acknowledged the " complexity " of the problems facing former mining areas. Many of the big meetings allowed little time for discussion, so most debates took place informally or at smaller meetings and seminars. We can constantly intervene in discussions and debates and ask why questions are framed in the way they are. More than any other events on the campaign trail this year, the debates have drawn intense public interest. The records on televised presidential debates are unequivocal. In the first couple of activists' meetings there were debates about selling Socialist Worker and holding Marxist forums. Both bids had previously been turned down by members of the District Council following debates at planning meetings. I am looking forward to the National Party's contribution to tonight's debate. Local party and trade union delegates also voted for debates on the issues of public services, pensions, employment rights and manufacturing. In those circumstances the House does not need to hold an urgent debate on the matter today. The Deputy First Minister has tabled two amendments for the final debate on Wednesday. Pendle councillors held a debate on phone masts and called for more power to decide where they went. Synonyms discussion, exchange of views, discourse, parley argument, dispute, wrangle, altercation, war of words arguing, argumentation, wrangling, sparring, disputation, dissension, disagreement, controversy, contention, conflict, disharmony negotiations, talks dialogue, comment, interest informal confab, powwow, rap session rare velitation, contestation 1.1 An argument about a particular subject, especially one in which many people are involved. 讨论，辩论，论战 the national debate on abortion 关于流产的全国性辩论。 mass noun there has been much debate about prices 关于价格问题已经有很多讨论了。 Example sentencesExamples Love him or hate him, he is the subject of heated debates among fans. The debate on this subject will go on as long as the human race exists, so all I can do is raise a few points on the subject. Whether civil servants should wear a uniform is still a matter of public debate. Certain parts of the country are beginning to explore the uses of the site and get involved in serious debates. An ongoing debate is raging in Germany about the pros and cons of daycare for children. I wouldn't normally involve myself in debates or arguments about who should be American president. News filtered through as MPs debated the bill that will pay for the Olympic Games. In France, the nature, meaning and acceptability of his work remain the subject of debate. The research will also reignite the debate over the use of cannabis for other medicinal purposes. Now the great debate on smoking in public spaces is coming to Manchester. And while we're on the subject of national debates, the perennial one about the future of the BBC rumbles on. Motherhood - taken for granted for centuries - is now the subject of heated debates. The subject that dominates the debate about the new car is of course the styling. A vigorous debate is raging over the economic growth estimates. While the cause of the erratic weather is a subject of debate, a couple of its effects are clear. The book, published in 1999, sparked considerable public debate. Some of the by-laws generated heated public debate when they were published in their draft form. Adverts on television and in newspapers were designed to begin the public debate about the assembly. It is a subject that warrants wider debate and much more prompt action. This aspect of the debate has been the subject of much political and academic disagreement. One of the most vigorous philosophical debates of the century broke out among cosmologists during the 1930s and 1940s. Synonyms argument, quarrel, wrangle, squabble, altercation, dispute, disputation, war of words, contretemps, misunderstanding verb dɪˈbeɪtdəˈbeɪt [with object] 1Argue about (a subject), especially in a formal manner. 争论，讨论 MPs debated the issue in the Commons 下院议员在下院讨论这个问题。 no object members of the society debated for five nights 社团成员争论了五夜。 Example sentencesExamples The item had not been included on the agenda, which meant the committee could not debate the issue. Further rioting followed and the subject was debated in the Reichstag. The issue of the bridge came up again, for the second month in a row, and again the topic was hotly debated. Last Tuesday the issue was debated by the Scottish parliament's European committee. He hoped MPs would be able to debate the issue and persuade the government to change its stance. The trust's financial recovery plan was also debated at the meeting. I would have thought the fact that Parliament is debating this legislation shows parliamentary power. There are working groups and study groups still debating the issues. The role of physiotherapy in prevention and management of pulmonary disease has been debated for decades. In essence, that is why we are here today debating this bill. He may let parliament debate the matter, if it suits him. But when it came to the price of salt, the commissioners spent many hours debating the subject. The Law Society of Scotland is set to debate the issue of child offenders and child rights at a conference in May. Reports on highly specialist issues are debated, but with little detail. Last night the House of Lords debated a proposal to extend research on human embryos. Congress is now debating agricultural policy for the new millennium. Five protesters managed to evade security to enter the chamber as MPs debated the controversial issue. The Bill, brought under the ten-minute rule, is due to be debated by MPs on Tuesday. Reproductive cloning will be debated at the Royal Society of Edinburgh on November 5. For decades, experts have debated the relative merits of nonprofit vs. for-profit hospitals. Synonyms discuss, confer about, talk over, talk through, talk about, exchange views on, exchange views about, thrash out, argue, argue about, argue the pros and cons of, dispute, wrangle over, bandy words concerning, contend over, contest, controvert, moot informal kick around/about, bat around/about archaic altercate 1.1with clause Consider a possible course of action in one's mind before reaching a decision. 思考，考虑 he debated whether he should leave the matter alone or speak to her 他在考虑是顺其自然还是和她谈谈。 Example sentencesExamples Her mind was still debating which way to go when her body went ahead and chose for her. Sandra paused for a moment and debated in her mind as to whether she should go or not. I stared at the plate for a while debating whether to try it. I was debating whether or not to approach her and ask her if anything was wrong. The sisters themselves were equally nervous, debating whether or not to go for just a half container. She sat cross-legged with a confused look on her face, debating whether to ask or keep quiet until a better time. Audrey debated the issue for a minute, then bent down and gave Todd a peck on the cheek. I can see she is debating whether or not to tell me the truth. Brittany bit her lip for a moment as she debated which to choose. After all, once you are debating whether a work is art or not, you have already proven it is. I told him it was too late when I saw he was debating whether or not to tell me more. Christine looked at Jacquin, she was debating in her mind if she should talk to him or not. Terry, a big man in a rather loud suit, is openly debating whether to sign up now. After standing near the door debating whether or not to enter I decide just to go in. Still debating whether to call B. It would be such a step back if I do. After school, Kendra was debating with herself whether or not to go to practice. He waits by the phone, debating whether to make a trip to India to search for his son. Dennis put his bag down on the ground and stared at it, at if he was debating whether to open it. The person who bumped into her froze and was obviously debating whether or not to make a run for it. She took a sip of her iced tea, silently debating about whether to tell him or not. Synonyms consider, give some thought to, think over, think about, chew over, mull over, turn over in one's mind, weigh up, ponder, deliberate, reflect, contemplate, muse, meditate, cogitate archaic pore on rare cerebrate Phrases be open to debate Be unproven and requiring further discussion. 有待讨论 whether a further wave of takeovers would benefit consumers is open to debate Example sentencesExamples Whether this is because O-levels are harder or they needed longer to prepare is open to debate. Whether women are less ambitious than men is open to debate. How one goes about implementing that ideology is open to debate. How well specific juries expressed the people's will was open to debate. While overall no one would argue that a reduction in more serious accidents is anything less than encouraging, the part played by speed cameras in this is open to debate. The significance of this fact is open to debate. The penalty decision which followed is open to debate for the initial challenge took place outside the box, with the momentum of both players carrying them into the area. Just how much Yorkshire will benefit from his return is open to debate as the player is contracted to England. Furthermore, the true value of those benefits is open to debate. Whether Arsenal would have had the energy to withstand an 11-man challenge is open to debate. under debate Being discussed or disputed. 讨论中，争论中 the subject is still under debate Example sentencesExamples The Commission is yet to come up with a final report, since the current document under debate is a draft document. Fisher's theory is just one of several hypotheses under debate today. One of the key policy discussions currently under debate is research on embryonic stem-cells. The new act, which is currently under debate, gives landlords the opportunity to catch up on rent increases not administered in the past three years without having to go through arbitration. Plans to radically shake up local government and to divide the country into elected regional assemblies are currently under debate. Can I ask the Leader of the Opposition to stick to the matter under debate? There's a controversial proposal under debate in New York City now that would give non-citizens a protected privilege of American citizenship, the right to vote. The working time directive which was under debate last week prevents employers from employing workers to work more than 48 hours per week. The exact details of these studies are under debate, but there is a consensus that the Earth formed about 4.6 billion years ago and that life began within the first billion years. But just what constitutes success is still under debate. Origin Middle English: via Old French from Latin dis- (expressing reversal) + battere 'to fight'. Debate is a word that has undergone a considerable shift in meaning. At its root is Latin battere ‘to fight’, and this was the original English meaning of debate. From that it acquired the sense ‘quarrel’ and ‘dispute’, which rapidly led to the more civilized idea of something deliberated and discussed. The phrase debatable land (Middle English) for borderland claimed by two nations, particularly the area fought over by England and Scotland, keeps the original sense. noun.1 phr. Definition of debate in US English: debate noundəˈbātdəˈbeɪt 1A formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward. 正式讨论，争论 Example sentencesExamples The records on televised presidential debates are unequivocal. Watt committed himself to holding more public debates and discussions separate from council meetings. Switzerland, with its generally slower pace and its thorough political debates before votes are held, may be the exception. A debate in parliament was interrupted for an announcement of Germany's victory. In the first couple of activists' meetings there were debates about selling Socialist Worker and holding Marxist forums. Both bids had previously been turned down by members of the District Council following debates at planning meetings. Not one public meeting or debate has been organised by the council. She is always on the move, always between important committee meetings and debates in the Lords and media interviews and court appearances. Local party and trade union delegates also voted for debates on the issues of public services, pensions, employment rights and manufacturing. In those circumstances the House does not need to hold an urgent debate on the matter today. In the key parliamentary debate on Tuesday he voted in support of the war. Pendle councillors held a debate on phone masts and called for more power to decide where they went. More than any other events on the campaign trail this year, the debates have drawn intense public interest. In yesterday's debate, Mr Wicks acknowledged the " complexity " of the problems facing former mining areas. We can constantly intervene in discussions and debates and ask why questions are framed in the way they are. The Deputy First Minister has tabled two amendments for the final debate on Wednesday. Many of the big meetings allowed little time for discussion, so most debates took place informally or at smaller meetings and seminars. I am looking forward to the National Party's contribution to tonight's debate. The second question is, why were all the meetings and debates on the budget closed to the public? They also called for a debate on the subject to be held in the European Parliament. Synonyms discussion, exchange of views, discourse, parley 1.1 An argument about a particular subject, especially one in which many people are involved. 讨论，辩论，论战 the national debate on abortion 关于流产的全国性辩论。 there has been much debate about prices 关于价格问题已经有很多讨论了。 Example sentencesExamples Love him or hate him, he is the subject of heated debates among fans. I wouldn't normally involve myself in debates or arguments about who should be American president. The debate on this subject will go on as long as the human race exists, so all I can do is raise a few points on the subject. The research will also reignite the debate over the use of cannabis for other medicinal purposes. In France, the nature, meaning and acceptability of his work remain the subject of debate. News filtered through as MPs debated the bill that will pay for the Olympic Games. The book, published in 1999, sparked considerable public debate. The subject that dominates the debate about the new car is of course the styling. Certain parts of the country are beginning to explore the uses of the site and get involved in serious debates. A vigorous debate is raging over the economic growth estimates. Now the great debate on smoking in public spaces is coming to Manchester. Some of the by-laws generated heated public debate when they were published in their draft form. One of the most vigorous philosophical debates of the century broke out among cosmologists during the 1930s and 1940s. Whether civil servants should wear a uniform is still a matter of public debate. An ongoing debate is raging in Germany about the pros and cons of daycare for children. While the cause of the erratic weather is a subject of debate, a couple of its effects are clear. This aspect of the debate has been the subject of much political and academic disagreement. And while we're on the subject of national debates, the perennial one about the future of the BBC rumbles on. It is a subject that warrants wider debate and much more prompt action. Motherhood - taken for granted for centuries - is now the subject of heated debates. Adverts on television and in newspapers were designed to begin the public debate about the assembly. Synonyms argument, quarrel, wrangle, squabble, altercation, dispute, disputation, war of words, contretemps, misunderstanding verbdəˈbātdəˈbeɪt [with object] 1Argue about (a subject), especially in a formal manner. 争论，讨论 the board debated his proposal the date when people first entered America is hotly debated Example sentencesExamples There are working groups and study groups still debating the issues. The trust's financial recovery plan was also debated at the meeting. In essence, that is why we are here today debating this bill. The role of physiotherapy in prevention and management of pulmonary disease has been debated for decades. But when it came to the price of salt, the commissioners spent many hours debating the subject. Last night the House of Lords debated a proposal to extend research on human embryos. The issue of the bridge came up again, for the second month in a row, and again the topic was hotly debated. Congress is now debating agricultural policy for the new millennium. The Law Society of Scotland is set to debate the issue of child offenders and child rights at a conference in May. For decades, experts have debated the relative merits of nonprofit vs. for-profit hospitals. He may let parliament debate the matter, if it suits him. I would have thought the fact that Parliament is debating this legislation shows parliamentary power. The item had not been included on the agenda, which meant the committee could not debate the issue. Reproductive cloning will be debated at the Royal Society of Edinburgh on November 5. Further rioting followed and the subject was debated in the Reichstag. The Bill, brought under the ten-minute rule, is due to be debated by MPs on Tuesday. Reports on highly specialist issues are debated, but with little detail. Five protesters managed to evade security to enter the chamber as MPs debated the controversial issue. He hoped MPs would be able to debate the issue and persuade the government to change its stance. Last Tuesday the issue was debated by the Scottish parliament's European committee. Synonyms discuss, confer about, talk over, talk through, talk about, exchange views on, exchange views about, thrash out, argue, argue about, argue the pros and cons of, dispute, wrangle over, bandy words concerning, contend over, contest, controvert, moot 1.1with clause Consider a possible course of action in one's mind before reaching a decision. 思考，考虑 he debated whether he should leave the matter alone or speak to her 他在考虑是顺其自然还是和她谈谈。 Example sentencesExamples Still debating whether to call B. It would be such a step back if I do. Her mind was still debating which way to go when her body went ahead and chose for her. After school, Kendra was debating with herself whether or not to go to practice. Dennis put his bag down on the ground and stared at it, at if he was debating whether to open it. I was debating whether or not to approach her and ask her if anything was wrong. She sat cross-legged with a confused look on her face, debating whether to ask or keep quiet until a better time. She took a sip of her iced tea, silently debating about whether to tell him or not. I stared at the plate for a while debating whether to try it. The sisters themselves were equally nervous, debating whether or not to go for just a half container. I can see she is debating whether or not to tell me the truth. After all, once you are debating whether a work is art or not, you have already proven it is. Christine looked at Jacquin, she was debating in her mind if she should talk to him or not. Sandra paused for a moment and debated in her mind as to whether she should go or not. He waits by the phone, debating whether to make a trip to India to search for his son. Terry, a big man in a rather loud suit, is openly debating whether to sign up now. Brittany bit her lip for a moment as she debated which to choose. Audrey debated the issue for a minute, then bent down and gave Todd a peck on the cheek. After standing near the door debating whether or not to enter I decide just to go in. The person who bumped into her froze and was obviously debating whether or not to make a run for it. I told him it was too late when I saw he was debating whether or not to tell me more. Synonyms consider, give some thought to, think over, think about, chew over, mull over, turn over in one's mind, weigh up, ponder, deliberate, reflect, contemplate, muse, meditate, cogitate Phrases be open to debate Be unproven; require further discussion. 有待讨论 Example sentencesExamples The significance of this fact is open to debate. Whether women are less ambitious than men is open to debate. The penalty decision which followed is open to debate for the initial challenge took place outside the box, with the momentum of both players carrying them into the area. Whether this is because O-levels are harder or they needed longer to prepare is open to debate. How one goes about implementing that ideology is open to debate. While overall no one would argue that a reduction in more serious accidents is anything less than encouraging, the part played by speed cameras in this is open to debate. Whether Arsenal would have had the energy to withstand an 11-man challenge is open to debate. How well specific juries expressed the people's will was open to debate. Just how much Yorkshire will benefit from his return is open to debate as the player is contracted to England. Furthermore, the true value of those benefits is open to debate. under debate Being discussed or disputed. 讨论中，争论中 Example sentencesExamples The Commission is yet to come up with a final report, since the current document under debate is a draft document. Fisher's theory is just one of several hypotheses under debate today. Plans to radically shake up local government and to divide the country into elected regional assemblies are currently under debate. The new act, which is currently under debate, gives landlords the opportunity to catch up on rent increases not administered in the past three years without having to go through arbitration. Can I ask the Leader of the Opposition to stick to the matter under debate? One of the key policy discussions currently under debate is research on embryonic stem-cells. The working time directive which was under debate last week prevents employers from employing workers to work more than 48 hours per week. But just what constitutes success is still under debate. There's a controversial proposal under debate in New York City now that would give non-citizens a protected privilege of American citizenship, the right to vote. The exact details of these studies are under debate, but there is a consensus that the Earth formed about 4.6 billion years ago and that life began within the first billion years. Origin Middle English: via Old French from Latin dis- (expressing reversal) + battere ‘to fight’. noun.1 phr.
随便看	close sth down close sth out close-stool closest part closest relation closest to one's heart closet closet case closet drama closeted closeted closetful close the books close the books close the door close the door on close the door on close the door on (or to) close the door to close the door to close thought close tightly closeting close to close to