the study of formal debate definition
Wiktionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: 1  debate(Noun) Strife, discord. 2  debate(Noun) An argument, or discussion, usually in an ordered or formal setting, often with more than two people, generally ending with a vote or other decision. After a four-hour debate, the committee voted to table the motion. debate(Noun) An informal and spirited but generally civil discussion of opposing views.
September 28, 2016. The National Institute for Civil Discourse (NICD) today released a civility report on the first Presidential Debate of the 2016 election, concluding that both candidates, Donald J. Trump in particular, fell short on civility.