to consider or examine by argument, comment, etc.; talk over or write about, esp. to explore solutions; debate: to discuss the proposed law on taxes.
2.
Civil Law.
a.
to collect a debt from (the person primarily liable) before proceeding against the person secondarily liable.
b.
to execute against the movable property of (a debtor) before proceeding against the debtor's immovable property, as land.
3.
Rare. to consume (food or drink) enthusiastically.
4.
Obsolete. to make known; reveal.
[Origin: 1300–50; ME (< AF discusser) < L discussus struck asunder, shaken, scattered, ptp. of discutere, equiv. to dis-dis-1+ -cutere (comb. form of quatere to shake, strike)]
To examine or consider (a subject) in speech or writing.
[Middle English discussen, to examine, from Anglo-Norman discusser, from Latin discussus, past participle of discutere, to break up : dis-, apart; see dis- + quatere, to shake; see kwēt- in Indo-European roots.]
dis·cuss'a·ble, dis·cuss'i·ble adj., dis·cuss'er n.
Synonyms: These verbs mean to talk with others in an effort to reach agreement, to ascertain truth, or to convince. Discuss involves close examination of a subject with interchange of opinions: My therapist discussed my concerns with my parents. Argue emphasizes the presentation of facts and reasons in support of a position opposed by others: The lawyer argued the plaintiff's case. Debate involves formal, often public argument: The candidates debated the campaign issues. Dispute implies differences of opinion and usually sharp argument: The senators disputed over increases in the proposed budget.
To contend is to strive in debate or controversy: She contended that her theory was easily proven.
to consider or examine in speech or writing; "The author talks about the different aspects of this question"; "The class discussed Dante's 'Inferno'" [syn: discourse]
2.
speak with others about (something); talk (something) over in detail; have a discussion; "We discussed our household budget" [syn: hash out]
De*bate"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Debated; p. pr. & vb. n. Debating.] [OF. debatre, F. d['e]battre; L. de + batuere to beat. See Batter, v. t., and cf. Abate.]1. To engage in combat for; to strive for. Volunteers . . . thronged to serve under his banner, and the cause of religion was debated with the same ardor in Spain as on the plains of Palestine. --Prescott. 2. To contend for in words or arguments; to strive to maintain by reasoning; to dispute; to contest; to discuss; to argue for and against. A wise council . . . that did debate this business. --Shak. Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself. --Prov. xxv. 9. Syn: To argue; discuss; dispute; controvert. See Argue, and Discuss.
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