debate-n; 2 Senses

Sense Number 1: ongoing controversial discussion

Commentary: DEBATE[+activity][+social][+communication][+discussion][+controversial][+ongoing]
NOTE: does not imply specific times and places (Sense 2)

Examples:
Pete and Sally had endless debates about whether to sell their sailboat.
There has been a bitter debate in the country about whether the Iraq war was justified.
The two brothers had many debates over the dinner table about who was the faster runner.
Bob is becoming jaded about the debate over global warming.

Mappings:
PropBank: debate.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: a public event involving structured presentations of arguments, positions

Commentary: DEBATE[+event][+social][+public][+presentation][+structured][+argument]
NOTE: implies specific times and places

Examples:
The presidential debate is on at 8 o'clock this evening.
The candidates have agreed to participate in three debates.
Mary's team won the final debate of the state championship for debate teams.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2