debate /diˈbeit/ I. vi.& vt. 辩论，争论，讨论：debate out a question 将问题辩论明白；debate with sb. in public about… 与某人公开辩论… The subject was hotly debated. 这个题目曾经热烈辩论过。‖II. n. ［c］ & ［u］ 辩论，争论： close a debate 结束辩论；have a debate with/against sb. 和…进行辩论； hold a debate on a subject 就某一题目举行一次辩论；a violent debate 一场激烈的辩论The environmentalists seem to have lost the debate over the building of this road. 环保主义者似乎在修建这条公路的争论中败下阵来。［考句］ They had a fierce debate as to whether their company should restore the trade relationship which was broken years ago.他们就公司是否应该恢复几年前就已断绝的贸易关系进行了一场激烈的辩论。