debate
Pronunciation: /dɪˈbeɪt/
noun
Definition of debate
A formal discussion on a particular topic
Synonyms for debate
- discussion
- argument
- dispute
debate in a Sentence
- The debate about immigration policy continues to divide opinion.
Why debate Matters for GRE & SAT
"debate" is a noun that means "A formal discussion on a particular topic" closely related to words like "discussion", "argument", "dispute". As a word starting with D, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.
On the GRE, understanding "debate" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "debate" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.
Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (noun). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "debate" into long-term memory.
How to Remember debate
One effective way to remember "debate" (noun) is to group it with similar words you already know: "discussion" and "argument" and "dispute". When you encounter "debate" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "A formal discussion on a particular topic".
Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "debate" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.
More Vocabulary Words Starting with D
- daunting — scary or frightening; (of a task) seeming impossible
- dawdle — move slowly and without purpose
- dearth — A scarcity or lack of something
- dearth — lack of something in a particular area
- debilitate — To make someone weak and infirm
- debilitating — weakening or impairing strength
- debunk — To expose the falseness of a myth or belief
- debunk — prove a belief or idea false
- decade — A period of ten years
- decadent — displaying excessive indulgence, sometimes to a morally degenerate extent