Spanish Conversation · Level 19
90 words
Spanish word
debate
Pronunciation
IPA/deˈβate/
Meaning
- masculine noundebate
Example
Hubo un debate sobre la política local.
There was a debate about local politics.
More examples
En clase, tuvimos un debate sobre cuál es el mejor libro.
In class, we had a debate about which book is the best.
En la reunión municipal se vivió un debate acalorado sobre el transporte.
At the municipal meeting there was a heated debate about transportation.
Core concept
Two speakers at opposite podiums presenting formal arguments.
Common phrases
debate acalorado
heated debate
celebrar un debate
hold a debate
participar en un debate
participate in a debate
Similar words
conversación: Casual back-and-forth talk between people about everyday matters.
diálogo: Turn-taking exchange in which participants listen and respond to share ideas.
discusión: Argumentative exchange showing conflicting opinions that can become heated.
charla: Short, informal, friendly talk about light, everyday topics.
Definition in Spanish
Intercambio público o formal de opiniones sobre un asunto, en el que se presentan y confrontan argumentos contradictorios.
Word origin
From Latin battuere 'to beat' with prefix de- via Old French debatre, where the sense of striking shifted into a figurative clash of opinions.
Usage tips
- Usually denotes a formal or public disputation, so for informal disagreements Spanish speakers use discusión or conversación.