C/U a discussion in which people or groups state different opinions about a subject 争论；辩论 | +about/on/over There has been intense debate over political union. 在政治联合的问题上出现了激烈的争论。 |
| (a) lively/heated/fierce/intense debate The proposals provoked a fierce debate. 这些提议引起了激烈的争辩。 |
| be the subject of much/some debate Her books have been the subject of much debate. 她的书已成为很多争论的主题。 |
| | a | C a formal discussion that ends with a decision made by voting 正式讨论 | | +about/on sth an emergency debate on the future of the peace talks 关于和谈之未来的紧急讨论 | |