- 1debate (on/about/over something) an argument or discussion expressing different opinions a heated/wide-ranging/lively debate the current debate about taxes There had been much debate on the issue of childcare. Whether he deserves what has happened to him is open to debate/a matter of/for debate (= cannot be certain or decided yet). The theater's future is a subject of considerable debate.
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- 2a formal discussion of an issue at a public meeting or in government. In a debate, two or more speakers express opposing views and then there is often a vote on the issue a debate on abortion The senator opened the debate (= was the first to speak). The motion under debate (= being discussed) was put to a vote. After a long debate, Congress approved the proposal. Topic CollocationsPoliticspower
- create/form/be the leader of a political party
- gain/take/win/lose/regain control of Congress
- start/spark/lead/be on the brink of a revolution
- be engaged/locked in an internal power struggle
- lead/form a rival/breakaway faction
- seize/take control of power/the government
- bring down/overthrow/topple the government/president/regime
- abolish/overthrow/restore the monarchy
- establish/install a military dictatorship/a stable government
- be forced/removed/driven from office/power
- resign/step down as party leader/president/prime minister/governor/a senator
- enter/retire from/return to political life
- spark/provoke a heated/hot/intense/lively debate
- engage in/participate in/contribute to (the) political/public debate (on/over something)
- get involved in/feel excluded from the political process
- launch/start/lead/spearhead a campaign/movement
- join/be linked with the peace/anti-war/feminist/civil rights movement
- criticize/speak out against/challenge/support the government
- lobby/put pressure on the government (to do something)
- come under fire/pressure from opposition parties
- call for/demand/propose/push for/advocate democratic/political/land reform(s)
- formulate/implement domestic economic policy
- change/influence/shape/have an impact on government/economic/public policy
- be consistent with/be in line with/go against/be opposed to government policy
- reform/restructure/modernize the tax system
- privatize/improve/deliver/make cuts in public services
- invest (heavily) in/spend something on schools/education/public services/(the) infrastructure
- nationalize the banks/the oil industry
- promise/propose/deliver/give ($80 billion in/significant/substantial/massive) tax cuts
- a/the budget is approved/passed by Congress/the House/the Senate
- have a majority in/have seats in Congress/the House/the Senate
- propose/sponsor a bill/legislation/a resolution/an amendment
- introduce/bring in/draw up/draft/adopt/pass a bill/a law/a resolution/an amendment/legislation/measures
- amend/repeal an act/a law/legislation
- veto/vote against/oppose a bill/legislation/a measure/a proposal/a resolution
- get/require/be decided by a majority vote
- ⇨ more collocations at economy, vote
- conversation
- dialogue
- talk
- debate
- consultation
- chat
- gossip
- discussion a detailed conversation about something that is considered to be important:Discussions are still taking place between the two countries.
- conversation a talk, usually a private or informal one, involving two people or a small group; the activity of talking in this way:a telephone conversation
- dialogue conversations in a book, play, or movie:The novel has long descriptions and not much dialogue.A dialogue is also a formal discussion between two groups, especially when they are trying to solve a problem or end a dispute:The leaders engaged in a constructive dialogue about climate change.
- talk a conversation or discussion, often one about a problem or something important for the people involved:I had a long talk with my boss about my career prospects.
- debate a formal discussion of an issue at a public meeting or in Congress. In a debate, two or more speakers express opposing views and then there is often a vote on the issue:a debate over prison reform
- consultation a formal discussion between groups of people before a decision is made about something:The proposal was based on extensive consultations with leading scientists.
- chat a friendly, informal conversation; informal talking:Could I have a quick chat with you?
- gossip talk about other people and their private lives, that is often unkind or not true:Office gossip can be nasty and cruel.
- (a) discussion/conversation/dialogue/talk/debate/consultation/chat/gossip about something
- a discussion/conversation/dialogue/debate/consultation on something
- in (close) discussion/conversation/dialogue/debate/consultation >with>somebody
- to have a discussion/conversation/dialogue/talk/debate/consultation/chat >with>somebody
- to hold a discussion/conversation/debate/consultation
Check pronunciation: debate