1. | （在公共集会上或议会里就某问题进行的、常以表决结束的）辩论a formal discussion of an issue at a public meeting or in a parliament. In a debate two or more speakers express opposing views and then there is often a vote on the issue. |
a debate on abortion 关于堕胎的辩论 | |
The minister opened the debate(= was the first to speak) . 部长在辩论时率先发言。 | |
The motion under debate(= being discussed) was put to a vote. 辩论中的动议已付诸表决。 | |
After a long debate, Congress approved the proposal. 经过长时间辩论，国会通过了这项提议。 |
2. | （各自发表不同意见的）争论，辩论，讨论an argument or discussion expressing different opinions |
a heated/wide-ranging/lively debate 激烈的╱广泛的╱热烈的争论 | |
the current debate about tax 目前关于税收的讨论 | |
There had been much debate on the issue of childcare. 人们对儿童照管问题议论纷纷。 | |
Whether he deserves what has happened to him is open to debate/a matter for debate(= cannot be certain or decided yet) . 他是否罪有应得还有待于讨论。 | |
The theatre's future is a subject of considerable debate. 剧院的前途是一个颇有争议的问题。 |
1. | [t][i] （尤指正式）讨论，辩论to discuss sth, especially formally, before making a decision or finding a solution |
Politicians will be debating the bill later this week. 政界将在本周晚些时候讨论这个议案。 | |
The question of the origin of the universe is still hotly debated(= strongly argued about) by scientists. 关于宇宙起源问题，科学家仍在激烈辩论。 | |
The committee will debate whether to lower the age of club membership to 16. 委员会将讨论是否将参加俱乐部的年龄限制放宽到 16 岁。 |
2. | [i][t] 仔细考虑；思考；盘算to think carefully about sth before making a decision |
She debated with herself for a while, and then picked up the phone. 她仔细琢磨了一会儿，然后拿起了电话。 | |
We're debating whether or not to go skiing this winter. 我们盘算着今年冬天是否去滑雪。 | |
For a moment he debated going after her. 他仔细思考了片刻要不要去追求她。 |
