debatir
verbCEFR B2
What does “debatir” mean in English?
to debate, to discuss formally
to debate, to discuss formally (debatir una propuesta / un proyecto — structured deliberation in formal contexts)
Example sentences
El parlamento debatirá la semana próxima las enmiendas propuestas a la ley de vivienda.
Parliament will debate next week the proposed amendments to the housing law.
El panel de expertos debatió sobre las consecuencias económicas a largo plazo de la digitalización.
The expert panel debated the long-term economic consequences of digitisation.
Los candidatos debatirán en directo ante millones de telespectadores en el programa de esta noche.
The candidates will debate live before millions of viewers on tonight's programme.
How to use it
Debatir means 'to debate' — a structured, formal discussion of a topic or proposal, typically in parliamentary, academic, or journalistic contexts. Takes either a direct object (debatir una propuesta) or debatir sobre (debate on/about). The key register distinction: debatir implies formality and structure, unlike discutir (which often implies arguing) or hablar de (neutral conversation).
Common mistake
Debatir and discutir are near false friends — debatir is structured public debate; discutir often implies argument or quarrel. Debatir is not used for casual disagreements. The noun el debate is equally essential at B2 and appears in the same contexts. Debatir sobre takes sobre; debatir with a direct object takes no preposition.