Debate Means to Beat Down
A debate is a formal discussion of opposing views. The Latin root is combative, and the metaphor has never quite gone away.
A debate is a formal discussion in which opposing views are argued. The word is more violent than it looks: Latin *battuere* means to beat, so to debate is to beat down. English is full of this metaphor — arguments are *attacked*, positions *defended*, points *scored* — which is why debate so easily becomes combat rather than inquiry.
- A formal discussion. *A televised debate.*
- To discuss formally. *Debate the motion.*
- To consider. *I debated whether to go.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | debate | A heated debate. |
| Plural | debates | Parliamentary debates. |
| Verb | debate | Debate the issue. |
| Adjective | debatable | A debatable point. |
| Related | battle | A pitched battle. |
How it is used in a sentence
- The house debated the motion.Formal proceedings.
- That is debatable.Open to question.
- I debated with myself for an hour.Considered.
Words from *battuere*, to beat
- Debate — to beat down an argument
- Battle — a fight
- Combat — to beat together
- Batter — to strike repeatedly
- Rebate — originally to beat back, then to reduce a charge
From Old French *debatre*, from Latin *de*, down, and *battuere*, to beat — the root of *battle* and *combat*.
Debate or discussion?
A debate has opposing sides and often a formal structure. A discussion need not be adversarial.
Are debate and battle related?
Yes. Both come from the Latin verb meaning to beat, which is why arguments are so often described in combat terms.