1de·bate 
/dɪˈbeɪt/ noun
plural de·bates /dɪˈbeɪt/ noun : a discussion between people in which they express different opinions about something ◊A debate can be an organized event, an informal discussion between two or more people, or a general discussion that involves many people. [count] ▪ The candidates participated in several debates before the election was held. ▪ Our polite chat about politics slowly turned into a heated debate. [=argument] ▪ At the center/core/heart of the debate [=controversy] is the question of responsibility. — often + on, about, or over ▪ The university is hosting a debate on gun control. ▪ current debates on/about the value of public schools ▪ The town held a debate over what to do about the recent traffic problems. ▪ The court decision sparked a raging/furious debate over property rights. [noncount] ▪ The meaning of the text has been the subject of considerable/intense/lively debate among scholars for many years. ▪ What topics will be under debate? [=debated] — often + on, about, or over ▪ There was much debate on/about/over whether the new program was worth the cost. ▪ There's little debate [=controversy] about the health benefits of moderate exercise. ▪ The book traces centuries of debate over the origins of language. ◊If something is a matter of debate or open to debate, people have different ideas and opinions about it.
▪ Whether or not the tax cuts benefit the poor is still a matter of debate. [=debatable] ▪ The accuracy of the report is open to debate.
▪ Whether or not the tax cuts benefit the poor is still a matter of debate. [=debatable] ▪ The accuracy of the report is open to debate.
