You searched for: “debates
debate (s) (noun), debates (pl)
1. A discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal: A debate may be an organized event, an informal discussion between two or more people, or a general discussion that involves several people.

If something is a matter of debate, or is open to debates, then it means that people have different ideas and opinions about the subject.

Rebecca's and Keith's quiet discussion about politics quickly turned into a heated debate.

2. Etymology: from French debattre; originally, "to fight"; from de-, "down, completely" + batre, "to beat".
This entry is located in the following units: bat- (page 2) de- (page 2)
debate (verb), debates; debated; debating
1. To talk about something at length and in detail; especially, as part of a formal exchange of opinions: The candidate for President of the U.S. was debating with his challenger in front of a TV audience.
2. To ponder, or to think, about something carefully: The accuracy of Dr. Clegg's opinion was debated by his colleagues.
This entry is located in the following units: bat- (page 2) de- (page 2)