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正式讨论, 争论。
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。
with obj.
1- argue 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 obj. members of the society debated for five nights.社团成员争论了五夜。
1.1
- with 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。
短语
be open to debate
- be unproven and requiring further discussion有待讨论。
under debate
- being discussed or disputed讨论中, 争论中。
派生词
debater
noun词源
Middle English: via Old French from Latin dis- (expressing reversal) + battere 'to fight'.