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Debate and discussion A discussion is a detailed conversation. ‘We had a long discussion about which school I should go to next year.’ ‘The discussion was very helpful. I think I’m ready to make a decision.’ A ‘debate’ is a discussion in which people argue or consider opposing points. ‘We debated whether to have pizza or sushi for dinner.’ ‘The meeting went on for hours as we debated the benefits of both sides.’ The word ‘debate’ can also describe a formal speaking contest in which two teams argue a given question. Formal ‘debates’ are most likely to take place at school or university. ‘Our team won the debating contest.’ Debates also take place in politics. ‘Parliament sat late into the night as members debated the bill.’ Flickr CC: Simon Blackley