debatir

to debate

verb deh-bah-TEER Less Common

Usage Note

Debatir is a standard -ir verb meaning 'to debate' or 'to discuss', most often used in formal or political contexts. The reflexive form debatirse means 'to struggle' or 'to wrestle with', as in se debatía entre la duda y la certeza ('he was torn between doubt and certainty'). It is slightly more formal than discutir, which can also imply a heated argument.

Examples

"Los políticos van a debatir esta tarde."

Natural Translation

The politicians are going to debate this afternoon.

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