Debate Quotes

Debate refers to 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. It commonly describes an informal and spirited but generally civil discussion of opposing views, discussion of opposing views, and strife, discord, which gives the term a broader and more practical sense than a single short definition would suggest. Depending on context, it can also point to to participate in a debate; to dispute, argue, especially in a public arena, to fight, and to engage in combat for; to strive for, so the category can cover literal uses, related ideas, and more figurative extensions of the same core meaning. Taken together, these meanings present Debate as a flexible theme rather than a narrowly technical label, covering the central idea people usually mean when they use the word while still leaving room for closely related senses that appear in real language. Additional shades of meaning include to consider (to oneself), to think over, to attempt to decide, which reinforce how the category can stretch across adjacent but still recognizable uses of the same term. Debate therefore works well as a quotation category because it can hold direct statements about the subject, figurative uses that borrow its meaning, and broader reflections that stay anchored to the same central idea.

Featured Authors on Debate

Photo of Baltasar Gracian

Baltasar Gracian

(1604-1658)

Photo of George Bernard Shaw

George Bernard Shaw

(1856-1950)

Photo of Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson

(1743-1826)