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   debate

   /dɪˈbeɪt/

   noun

   • 1. 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"
   • ▪ an argument about a particular subject, especially one in which many people are involved: "the national debate on education"

   verb

   • 1. argue about (a subject), especially in a formal manner: "MPs debated the issue in the Commons" Similar discussconfer abouttalk overtalk throughtalk aboutexchange views onexchange views aboutthrash outargueargue aboutargue the pros and cons ofdisputewrangle overbandy words concerningcontend overcontestcontrovertmootinformal:kick aboutkick aroundbat aboutbat aroundarchaic:altercate
   • ▪ 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" Similar considergive some thought tothink overthink aboutchew overmull overturn over in one's mindweigh upponderdeliberatereflectcontemplatemusemeditatecogitatearchaic:pore onrare:cerebrate

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

   Scrabble Points: 9

   • D

     2

   • E

     1

   • B

     3

   • A

     1

   • T

     1

   • E

     1

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