debate
Word family
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++LDOCE 5++de·bate1 /dɪˈbeɪt/ ●●● S2 W2 AWL noun 1 [countable, uncountable] discussion of a particular subject that often continues for a long time and in which people express different opinions 讨论，辩论 the gun-control debate in the US 美国有关控制枪支的争论 The new drug has become the subject of heated debate within the medical profession. 这种新药成了医学界激烈争论的话题。debate over/about There has been widespread public debate over the introduction of genetically modified food. 公众已对引入转基因食品进行了广泛的讨论。 There was much lively debate about whether women should spend more time in the home. 就妇女是否应该花更多时间待在家里这个话题有许多热烈的争论。 A fierce debate raged over which artist’s work should be chosen for the prize. 就哪位艺术家的作品应该得奖一事展开了激烈的争论。debate between the ongoing debate between environmentalists and the road-building lobby over the future of our countryside 环境保护主义者和游说修建公路的团体之间正在进行的有关我们乡村未来的讨论 Nuclear power has always been a topic that has sparked off considerable debate. 核电一直是引起相当多争议的话题。2 [countable, uncountable]DISCUSS a formal discussion of a particular problem, subject etc in which people express different opinions, and sometimes vote on them 〔正式的〕讨论，辩论〔有时会为此进行投票表决〕debate on/over/about a debate on legalized gambling 对赌博合法化的讨论 a televised debate 电视转播的辩论会have/hold/conduct a debate It would have been better to hold the debate during the day. 当时要是把辩论安排在白天进行可能更好。be under debate What topics are under debate in Congress this week? 本周国会讨论的是什么议题？3 be open to debate (also be a matter for debate)UNCERTAIN if an idea is open to debate, no one has proved yet whether it is true or false 尚待讨论，有待商榷 SYN debatable Whether that would have made any difference is open to debate. 那样做是否有用还有待商榷。n COLLOCATIONSadjectivesconsiderable debateThere has been considerable debate about the way forward for education.lively debate (=interesting and involving a lot of different opinions)The conference produced some lively debate.intense debate (=in which people put forward strong and different arguments)The future of the nuclear industry has been a matter of intense debate.a heated/fierce debate (=in which people express strong opinions in an angry way)There has been a fierce debate over the way the war was fought.a wider debate (=involving more people or a more general discussion)We believe that there should be a wider debate on such an important issue.a public debate (=in which people put forward their ideas publicly, so that everyone can form an opinion.)He called for a public debate on race and discrimination.national debate (=one that involves everyone in a country)It is time to start a national debate on the future of the health service.political debate (=involving members of political parties)There was much political debate on pensions reform.long-running debate (=continuing for a long time)the long-running debate about the future of our inner citiesongoing debate (=still continuing)This is unlikely to be the final word in this ongoing debate.verbshave a debateI think we should have a public debate on this issue.provoke/spark/trigger debate (=cause a debate to start)The episode provoked fierce debate about freedom of speech.stifle debate (=prevent people from having a debate)How can the party stifle debate on such an important issue?debate rages (=happens over a period of time and and involves strong feelings)A national debate is now raging over the level of youth crime.phrasesbe the subject of debate (=be something that people discuss)Teaching methods have long been the subject of debate.be a matter of debate (=be something that people have discussed)The effectiveness of the government’s policy has been a matter of fierce debate.be a matter for debate (=be something that people should discuss)The future of the police force is a matter for public debate.Examples from the Corpus
debate• The law was passed, after a long and sometimes angry debate.• His jibe was greeted with howls of laughter as Mr Smith savaged Mr Major during the emergency debate on the economy.• Which is fine -- we enjoy a good debate in print, sensationalist punks that we are.• This matter has been the subject of intense public debate in recent weeks.• This stark view of what really matters has touched off a spirited debate and will occupy us in Chapter 5.• There will be a televised debate between those in favour of military action and those who are against.• However, the House will have further opportunities during the debate to clarify that important point.• For his part, Simpson said nothing Tuesday to fuel the debate over the verdicts.• The first question on foreign policy came 35 minutes into the debate.• On some issues he gave details of steps to settle the debate.heated debate• Even the slightest interface aspect could trigger a heated debate, with adherents of opposing solutions arguing with near-Jesuitical intensity.• After fifteen months of heated debate, Billingham was abandoned.• The issue was the subject of heated debate in a weekly morning caucus session.• Reginald Tufts, whose fighting ability was frequently the topic of heated debate, hit me until I cried.• No presidential policy is so controversial that it provokes heated debate.• Around such alternatives have views polarised in the heated debate over what the bill means for viewers.• There was heated debate regarding the performance of number of ministers.• There was heated debate, but by the casting vote of the chairman we got our grant.debate on/over/about• The abortion debate is causing more women to run for office.• This latter aim is increasingly important amidst debates about what health insurance should cover.• At the Campaign Against Arms Trade there is a continuing debate about whether to set practical or absolute aims.• Some items of expenditure are fixed by statute and there is no room for debate about how much is to be spent.• There has been very little public debate on the Navy's new program.• Some Conservative Members have made their last speeches in a Second Reading debate on coal.• Last fall a congressional tourism commission started debate on legalizing gambling.• The aim is to illustrate the emphasis in the debate on public choice considerations.• With publicity over gay marriages, the debate over homosexuality and the Bible once again fills radio talk-show airwaves.• The debate about who should pay what tax in the underdeveloped world has moved centre stage.debate2 ●●○ AWL verb [intransitive, transitive] 1 DISCUSSto discuss a subject formally when you are trying to make a decision or find a solution 〔正式地〕讨论，辩论 The issue will be debated on Tuesday. 这个问题将在星期二讨论。debate whether/what/how etc Meanwhile, philosophers debate whether it’s right to clone an individual. 与此同时，哲学家们就克隆人是对是错的问题进行辩论。debate (something) with somebody an invitation to debate with William on the future of democracy 和威廉就民主的未来进行辩论的邀请 His conclusions are hotly debated (=argued about strongly). 他的结论引发了热烈的讨论。► see thesaurus at talk2 THINK ABOUTto consider something carefully before making a decision 〔作出决定前〕反复考虑，斟酌debate with yourself I debated with myself whether I should tell anyone. 我在反复考虑是否应该告诉别人。debate who/what/how etc I’m still debating what to do. 我仍在考虑该怎么办。debate doing something For a moment Mary debated telling Rick the truth. 玛丽犹豫了片刻要不要把真相告诉里克。→ See Verb tableExamples from the Corpus
debate• But later the deputies set the stage for possible compromise by agreeing to debate a referendum after all.• The government clearly refuses to give us an opportunity to debate any longer.• The matter will be debated by the General Assembly.• The new law was debated in Parliament on 14 February.• The Bundesbank central council will meet Thursday to debate interest-rate and monetary policy.• Few areas of nutrition are more hotly debated than whether or not people should take vitamin supplements.• We were debating the best way to reach the river, when a passing ranger kindly pointed it out.• We have spent three days debating the council tax.• He was mournfully re-enacting the conversation between two officials, as they debated the merits of revoking a pass-interference penalty.• They were no longer debating the rights of man at a Club for Equality and Reform.• Whilst the consequences of these changes may be hotly debated, their marketing impact on business enterprises has been immense.• They had already debated where to go on vacation, Yosemite or Lake Tahoe.• We debated whether to fly or go by train, finally deciding on the train.debate whether/what/how etc• Why is it that the Government do not want to debate what is happening in Renfrewshire?• She debated whether she would do the church first or the vicarage.• Reams of paper have been used to debate what tag-questions, for instance, mean.• And why do firms debate whether they are correctly leveraged?• The hour had long since passed for his call to Virginia Stillman, and he debated whether to go through with it.• Derek debated whether to telephone Charlotte Ladram and offer his condolences, but, in the end, he decided not to.• Today, there is no formal structure to investigate or even debate whether UFOs have skipped through our atmosphere.debate with yourself• Would it, Celia debated with herself, be wrong now to ask her to become a godparent?• I debated with myself but in the end, I could not bring myself to pack up and leave.• He returned to the quad, glumly debating with himself what to do next.• He debated with himself whether to stay and so risk capture or leave while the exit was clear.Origin debate2 (1200-1300) Old French debatre, from batre “to hit”de·bate1 noun →n COLLOCATIONS1debate2 verbLDOCE OnlineChineseSyllable
a of discussion often Corpus particular that continues subject
debate
de‧bate1 S2 W2 AC /dɪˈbeɪt/ 
noun1. [uncountable and countable] discussion of a particular subject that often continues for a long time and in which people express different opinions:
the gun-control debate in the US
The new drug has become the subject of heated debate within the medical profession.
debate over/about
There has been widespread public debate over the introduction of genetically modified food.
There was much lively debate about whether women should spend more time in the home.
A fierce debate raged over which artist’s work should be chosen for the prize.
debate between
the ongoing debate between environmentalists and the road-building lobby over the future of our countryside
Nuclear power has always been a topic that has sparked off considerable debate.
2. [uncountable and countable] a formal discussion of a particular problem, subject etc in which people express different opinions, and sometimes vote on them
debate on/over/about
a debate on legalized gambling
a televised debate
have/hold/conduct a debate
It would have been better to hold the debate during the day.
be under debate
What topics are under debate in Congress this week?
3. be open to debate (also be a matter for debate) if an idea is open to debate, no one has proved yet whether it is true or false
SYN debatable:
Whether that would have made any difference is open to debate.
■ adjectives
▪considerable debate There has been considerable debate about the way forward for education.
▪lively debate (=interesting and involving a lot of different opinions) The conference produced some lively debate.
▪intense debate (=in which people put forward strong and different arguments) The future of the nuclear industry has been a matter of intense debate.
▪a heated/fierce debate (=in which people express strong opinions in an angry way) There has been a fierce debate over the way the war was fought.
▪a wider debate (=involving more people or a more general discussion) We believe that there should be a wider debate on such an important issue.
▪a public debate (=in which people put forward their ideas publicly, so that everyone can form an opinion.) He called for a public debate on race and discrimination.
▪national debate (=one that involves everyone in a country) It is time to start a national debate on the future of the health service.
▪political debate (=involving members of political parties) There was much political debate on pensions reform.
▪long-running debate (=continuing for a long time) the long-running debate about the future of our inner cities
▪ongoing debate (=still continuing) This is unlikely to be the final word in this ongoing debate.
■ verbs
▪have a debate I think we should have a public debate on this issue.
▪provoke/spark/trigger debate (=cause a debate to start) The episode provoked fierce debate about freedom of speech.
▪stifle debate (=prevent people from having a debate) How can the party stifle debate on such an important issue?
▪debate rages (=happens over a period of time and and involves strong feelings) A national debate is now raging over the level of youth crime.
■ phrases
▪be the subject of debate (=be something that people discuss) Teaching methods have long been the subject of debate.
▪be a matter of debate (=be something that people have discussed) The effectiveness of the government’s policy has been a matter of fierce debate.
▪be a matter for debate (=be something that people should discuss) The future of the police force is a matter for public debate.
▪ discussion an occasion when you discuss something, or the process of discussing it: After a long discussion, they decided to paint the room pale blue. | This led to a discussion of our favourite books. | There are several projects under discussion (=being discussed).
▪debate discussion of a particular subject that often continues for a long time, in which people express different opinions. Also used to mean a formal discussion of a subject, after which people vote for or against something: There is a lot of debate about the safety of nuclear power. | The student union is holding a debate on immigration.
▪talks formal discussions between governments, organizations etc: the Arab-Israeli peace talks | The next round of trade talks will be held in the spring. | Bilateral talks (=between two groups or countries)on refugees took place in November.
▪negotiations official discussions between two or more groups who are trying to agree on something: The two sides have begun negotiations aimed at ending the dispute. | International negotiations on reducing sulphur dioxide emissions have ended without agreement.
▪conference a large formal meeting at which people from many places discuss their work or research, or important matters relating to their organization: an international conference on nuclear physics | the Labour Party conference
▪consultation a formal discussion in which people who are affected by or involved in something can give their opinions: The govenment promised a full public consultation before a decision was made to build the airport. | The revised syllabus was devised after wide consultations with the teaching profession.
debate2 AC verb [intransitive and transitive]
The issue will be debated on Tuesday.
debate whether/what/how etc
Meanwhile, philosophers debate whether it’s right to clone an individual.
debate (something) with somebody
an invitation to debate with William on the future of democracy
His conclusions are hotly debated (=argued about strongly).
2. to consider something carefully before making a decision
debate with yourself
I debated with myself whether I should tell anyone.
debate who/what/how etc
I’m still debating what to do.
debate doing something
For a moment Mary debated telling Rick the truth.
■ to talk seriously
▪discuss to talk seriously about problems, ideas, or plans: They met to discuss how the building should be designed. | She refuses to discuss the matter.
▪talk something over to discuss something with someone because it will affect them, especially someone close to you: Before you accept the job, talk it over with your family. | You two need to sit down and talk things over.
▪debate to discuss a subject formally when you are trying to make a decision or solve a problem: The issue will be debated on Tuesday. | The UN Security Council debated whether to impose sanctions.
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noun1. [uncountable and countable] discussion of a particular subject that often continues for a long time and in which people express different opinions: debate over/about
debate between
2. [uncountable and countable] a formal discussion of a particular problem, subject etc in which people express different opinions, and sometimes vote on them
debate on/over/about
have/hold/conduct a debate
be under debate
3. be open to debate (also be a matter for debate) if an idea is open to debate, no one has proved yet whether it is true or false
SYN debatable:
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verb [intransitive and transitive] Date: 1200-1300
Language: Old French
Origin: debatre, from batre 'to hit'
1. to discuss a subject formally when you are trying to make a decision or find a solution:Language: Old French
Origin: debatre, from batre 'to hit'
debate whether/what/how etc
debate (something) with somebody
2. to consider something carefully before making a decision
debate with yourself
debate who/what/how etc
debate doing something
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discussion a detailed conversation about sth that is considered to be important 指重要事情的讨论、谈论、商讨 ：◆ Discussions are still taking place between the two leaders. 两位领导人仍在进行讨论。 conversation a talk, usually a private or informal one, involving two people or a small group; the activity of talking in this way 通常指私下的或非正式的交谈、谈话 ：◆ a telephone conversation 电话交谈 dialogue conversations in a book, play or film 指书、戏剧或电影中的对话、对白 ：◆ The novel has long descriptions and not much dialogue. 这部小说描述多，对话少。 A dialogue is also a formal discussion between two groups, especially when they are trying to solve a problem or end a dispute.* dialogue 亦指两个团体间为解决问题或结束争端进行的正式对话、讨论、交换意见 ：◆ The President told waiting reporters there had been a constructive dialogue. 总统告诉等候的记者，刚才进行了一次富有建设性的对话。 talk a conversation or discussion, often one about a problem or sth important for the people involved 常指对有关人员就某个问题或重要的事情进行的交谈、谈话、讨论、商讨 ：◆ I had a long talk with my boss about my career prospects. 我和老板就我的事业前景进行了一次长谈。 debate a formal discussion of an issue at a public meeting or in a parliament. In a debate two or more speakers express opposing views and then there is often a vote on the issue. 指公共集会上或议会里就某问题进行的、常以表决结束的辩论 ：◆ a debate on prison reform 关于监狱制度改革的辩论 consultation a formal discussion between groups of people before a decision is made about sth 指团体间在决策前进行的咨询、商讨、磋商 ：◆ There have been extensive consultations between the two countries. 两国之间进行了广泛磋商。 chat a friendly informal conversation; informal talking 指友好的非正式交谈、聊天 NOTE The countable use of chat is especially British English.* chat 作可数名词尤用于英式英语 ：◆ I just called in for a chat about the kids. 我只是打电话来随便聊聊孩子的事情。 gossip a conversation about other people and their private lives 指关于他人及其私生活的闲谈、闲聊、说长道短 ：◆ We had a good gossip about the boss. 我们讲了好一会儿老板的闲话。
Patterns
a discussion/conversation/dialogue/talk/debate/consultation/chat/gossip about stha discussion/conversation/dialogue/debate/consultation on sthin (close) discussion/conversation/dialogue/debate/consultationwith sbto have a discussion/conversation/dialogue/talk/debate/consultation/chat/gossipwith sbto hold a discussion/conversation/debate/consultation
Power 权力
create/form/be the leader of a political party创建／组建／领导政党 gain/take/win/lose/regain control of Congress获得／失去／夺回对国会的控制权 start/spark/lead/be on the brink of a revolution发起／引发／领导一场革命；革命一触即发 be engaged/locked in an internal power struggle参与／陷入内部权力斗争 lead/form a rival/breakaway faction领导／组建反对派／分裂派 seize/take control of the government/power夺取／接手对政府／政权的控制权 bring down/overthrow/topple the government/president/regime推翻政府／总统／政权 abolish/overthrow/restore the monarchy废除／推翻／恢复君主制 establish/install a military dictatorship/a stable government建立军事独裁／稳定的政府 be forced/removed/driven from office/power被迫离职／下台；被免职／赶下台 resign/step down as party leader/an MP/president/prime minister辞去政党领袖／议员／总统／总理的职位 enter/retire from/return to political life开始／退出／重回政治生涯
Political debate 政治辩论
spark/provoke a heated/hot/intense/lively debate引发激烈的辩论 engage in/participate in/contribute to (the) political/public debate (on/over sth)参与（关于某事的）政治／公开辩论 get involved in/feel excluded from the political process参与／感觉被排挤出政治进程 launch/start/lead/spearhead a campaign/movement发起／领导一场运动 join/be linked with the peace/anti-war/feminist/civil rights movement参与和平／反战／女权／民权运动；与和平／反战／女权／民权运动有联系 criticize/speak out against/challenge/support the government批评／公开反对／质疑／支持政府 lobby/put pressure on the government (to do sth)游说／施压于政府（去做某事） come under fire/pressure from opposition parties受到来自反对党的抨击／压力
Policy 政策
call for/demand/propose/push for/advocate democratic/political/land reform(s)呼吁／强烈要求／提议／敦促／倡导民主／政治／土地改革 formulate/implement domestic economic policy制定／执行国内经济政策 change/influence/shape/have an impact on government/economic/public policy改变／影响政府／经济／公共政策 be consistent with/be in line with/go against/be opposed to government policy符合／违背政府政策 reform/restructure/modernize the tax system改革／重组／革新税收制度 privatize/improve/deliver/make cuts in public services私有化／改善／提供／削减公共服务 invest (heavily) in/spend sth on schools/education/public services/(the) infrastructure在学校／教育／公共服务／基础设施上投入（大量）资金 nationalize the banks/the oil industry使银行／石油产业国有化 promise/propose/deliver/give ($80 billion in/significant/substantial/massive) tax cuts承诺／提议／兑现／实行（800 亿美元／大幅度的）减税 a/the budget is approved/ ( especially
NAmE passed by parliament/congress预算经议会／国会通过
Making laws 制定法律
have a majority in/have seats in Parliament/Congress/the Senate在议会／国会／参议院中占多数席位／占有席位 propose/sponsor a bill/legislation/a resolution提交议案／法规／决议 introduce/bring in/draw up/draft/adopt/pass a bill/a law/legislation/measures推出／提出／拟定／起草／采用／通过议案／法律／法规／措施 amend/repeal an act/a law/legislation修正／废除法案／法律／法规 veto/vote against/oppose a bill/legislation/a measure/a proposal/a resolution否决／投票反对／反对议案／法规／措施／提议／决议 get/require/be decided by a majority vote获得／需要多数票；由多数票决定
talk to speak in order to give information, express feelings or share ideas 指说话、讲话、谈话 ：◆ We talked on the phone for over an hour. 我们在电话里谈了一个多小时。 discuss ( to talk and share ideas on a subject or problem with other people, especially in order to decide sthrather
指谈论、讨论、商量 ：◆ Have you discussed the problem with anyone? 你与谁商量过这个问题吗？ NOTE You cannot say 'discuss about sth'. 不能说 discuss about sth ：◆ I'm not prepared to discuss about this on the phone. speak to talk to sb about sth; to have a conversation with sb 指谈话、交谈 ：◆ I've spoken to the manager about it. 那件事我已经和经理谈过了。 ◆ 'Can I speak to Susan?' 'Speaking.' (= at the beginning of a telephone conversation )“请问苏珊在吗？” “我就是。”
talk or speak? 用 talk 还是 speak？
communicate ( to exchange information or ideas with sbrather
指与某人交流信息或意见 ：◆ We only communicate by email. 我们只通过电子邮件进行交流。 ◆ Dolphins use sound to communicate with each other. 海豚用声音相互沟通。 NOTE Communicate is often used when the speaker wants to draw attention to the means of communication used.说话者要让人注意交流的方式时常用 communicate。 debate to discuss sth, especially formally, before making a decision or finding a solution （尤指正式）讨论、辩论 ：◆ Politicians will be debating the bill later this week. 政界将在本周晚些时候讨论这项议案。 consult ( to discuss sth with sb in order to get their permission for sth, or to help you make a decisionrather
指（与某人）商议、商量（以得到许可或帮助决策） ：◆ You shouldn't have done it without consulting me. 你不该不和我商量就做。
Patterns
to talk/discuss sth/speak/communicate/debate/consult with sbto talk/speak to sbto talk/speak to sb/consult sb about sthto talk/speak of sth