débat
/de.ba/masculine
The English word 'debate' is translated into French as débat.
débat refers to an argument or a discussion, typically occurring in an ordered or formal setting. If the debate becomes particularly heated, you might describe it as a bataille verbale. To describe an animated discussion, you can use discussion animée or if you wish to emphasize the sharing of different viewpoints, you can use échange d'opinions.
Meaning: argument, or discussion, usually in an ordered or formal setting (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
débat is a masculine noun. Its plural form is débats. The related verb meaning 'to debate' or 'to participate in a debate' is débattre.
How do you pronounce it?
/de.ba/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly add an 'e' at the end of the word, writing 'débate', but the French noun ends in a silent 't'.
Did you know?
- The word débattre can be used reflexively as se débattre, which means 'to struggle' or 'to thrash about' physically. This connects the idea of a mental argument to a physical struggle to get free.
- France has a long tradition of the concours d'éloquence, a competitive form of debate where students are judged on their rhetoric and flair. These are often treated as major public spectacles rather than just academic exercises.
- The French verb débattre is closely related to battre, which means 'to beat' or 'to hit'. This frames a debate as a verbal battle where arguments are struck down.
Examples in context
- Le débat est clos.The debate is over.This sentence is useful for saying the debate is over using débat.Tatoeba #11198872 by Aiji, translation #8282433 by CK
- Ce débat est idiot.This debate is silly.This sentence is useful for describing a debate as silly using débat.Tatoeba #11166438 by Aiji, translation #4497124 by CK
- C'est un autre débat.That's another debate.This sentence is useful for identifying another debate using débat.Tatoeba #9151654 by Julien_PDC, translation #9150667 by Ergulis
- Le débat politique sur cette question sera organisé demain.The political debate on this issue will be held tomorrow.
- On a eu un débat animé sur la meilleure équipe de football.We had a lively debate about the best football team.
- Le débat politique s'est transformé en une bataille verbale acerbe.The political debate turned into a fierce verbal battle.
- C'était une discussion animée autour du sujet des droits des animaux.It was an animated discussion about animal rights.
- L'émission de télévision a permis un échange d'opinions intéressant sur la politique.The TV show allowed for an interesting exchange of opinions on politics.
- 59 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are discussing a political program on the radio.
- GabrielTu as suivi le débat hier ?Did you follow the debate yesterday?
- ManonOui, c'était passionnant.Yes, it was exciting.
- GabrielLe débat a duré deux heures.The debate lasted two hours.
- ManonC'est un sujet complexe.It is a complex subject.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “debate” translations and entries débat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries débat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
