debated

IPA/dɪˈbeɪt/
KK[dəbˈetɪd]IPA/dɪˈbeɪt/

debated — verb

  • debatedpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • debateds3rd person singular
  • debateding-ing form
  • debatededpast simple

1. to engage in a formal argument about an issue by presenting opposing viewpoints

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to engage in a formal argument about an issue by presenting opposing viewpoints and supporting reasons, typically in a public setting

例句

The city council debated the new housing policy for over two hours before deciding.

debate + noun phrase as direct object

Members of Parliament debated whether to raise taxes or cut spending to balance the budget.

debate whether + to-infinitive

同義詞
  • discuss

    less formal and does not imply opposing sides the way debate does

  • argue

    suggests more emotional disagreement, while debate is more structured

  • dispute

    implies strong disagreement, often with a refusal to accept the other side

反義詞
  • agree

    to have the same opinion without needing to argue opposing sides

  • concede

    to admit the other side is right, ending the debate

文法句型

debate + noun phrase

debate whether/if…

debate with someone about something

用法筆記

Commonly takes a wh-clause (whether, how, what) as object. Frequently used in the passive voice with adverbs like 'hotly' or 'widely'.

常見錯誤

❌The committee debated about the new rules.
✅The committee debated the new rules.' or 'The committee debated about the new rules.
💡'debate about' is acceptable in less formal contexts, but 'debate + direct object' is more common in formal English.
❌I debated with him on the topic.
✅I debated with him about the topic.' or 'I debated him on the topic.
💡'debate with someone about something' is the standard pattern.

2. to think carefully about different possibilities or choices before making a deci

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to think carefully about different possibilities or choices before making a decision, often feeling uncertain about which one is best

例句

Theo debated whether to accept the job in Taipei or stay with his current employer.

debate whether + to-infinitive (two options)

Harper debated for days before choosing the blue paint for the living room.

debate + for + duration, then decide

同義詞
  • weigh

    more informal, suggests comparing options mentally

  • consider

    broader, can be less intense than debate

  • deliberate

    more formal, suggests slow and careful thought

反義詞
  • decide

    the action that ends deliberation

  • dismiss

    to reject an option without much thought

文法句型

debate + wh-clause

debate whether + to-infinitive

debate + noun phrase (choice/option)

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: this sense describes internal deliberation or informal group decision-making, not a structured public discussion. The object is usually a choice, a question, or a wh-clause.

常見錯誤

❌I debated whether should I go.
✅I debated whether I should go.' or 'I debated whether to go.
💡when 'debate' takes a wh-clause, the word order is subject-verb, not inverted.
❌She debated to go to the party.
✅She debated whether to go to the party.
💡'debate' is not followed directly by a to-infinitive; it needs 'whether' or a wh-word.

debated — noun