debate
/deˈbate/masculine
The Spanish word for debate is debate.
debate is a noun referring to an argument or a discussion, typically occurring in an ordered or formal setting.
Meaning: argument, or discussion, usually in an ordered or formal setting (noun)
Which one should you use?
While debate refers to a formal, structured exchange of ideas, the related word discusión is a more general term that can describe either a casual discussion or a heated argument.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun debate is masculine and is used with the definite article el, as in el debate (the debate). The related verb form meaning 'to debate' or 'to participate in a debate' is debatir.
How do you pronounce it?
/deˈbate/
Did you know?
- The verb debatir can be used to describe the act of reflecting or pondering a decision internally, rather than arguing with another person.
- The word debatir is a direct relative of the English 'debate', as both share the same Latin root 'debatere', meaning 'to argue' or 'to beat'.
- The verb debatir can also be used in a legal context to mean 'to argue a case' or 'to plead' in a court of law, extending beyond mere verbal exchange.
Examples in context
- Se cerró el debate.The debate was closed.This sentence shows how to express that a debate has ended.Tatoeba #3546576 by marcelostockle, translation #3542792 by vvv123
- Es un debate esotérico.It's an esoteric debate.This sentence provides an example of using the word to describe a specific type of debate.Tatoeba #1633554 by teskmon, translation #826259 by U2FS
- El debate será esta noche.The debate will be tonight.This sentence shows how to indicate when a debate will take place.Tatoeba #4347242 by saverius, translation #9870333 by DJ_Saidez
- El debate sobre el cambio climático fue muy interesante.The debate about climate change was very interesting.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing their university schedule.
- Alejandro¿Vas a ver el debate hoy?Are you going to watch the debate today?
- ElenaSí, Alejandro, me interesa mucho el tema.Yes, Alejandro, I am very interested in the topic.
- AlejandroEs un debate muy necesario para la clase.It is a very necessary debate for the class.
- ElenaTienes razón, es una gran oportunidad.You are right, it is a great opportunity.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “debate” translations and entries debate, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries debate, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
