Debate
/dɪˈbeɪt/noun
A formal discussion or argument about a topic in which opposing views are presented.
Did you know?The word entered English through Anglo-French and Old French *debatre*, originally meaning “to fight, beat down, or contend,” so the modern political meaning still carries the ghost of combat.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰeuH-
“to strike, beat”
Latin
Latin
battuere
“to beat, strike”
Late Latin
Latin
battuāre
“to beat repeatedly”
Old French
Old French
debatre
“to fight, contend, beat down”
Middle English
English
debaten
“to fight or argue”
Modern English
English
debate
“a formal discussion or argument”