disputation

/dɪˈspjuˈteɪʃən/

Other forms: disputations

A disputation is a formal argument or debate, like the heated but thoughtful disputation your classmates have over whether Marvel or DC Comics is superior.

The term disputation comes from a Latin root, disputare, meaning "weigh, examine, discuss, argue, or explain." A true disputation is careful and well thought-out, and it often takes place in a scholarly or academic setting. Formal debates are one type of disputation, and going all the way back to the Middle Ages, disputations were often religious in nature. Theological disputations between Jewish and Christian scholars were common in 13th century Europe, for example.

Definitions of disputation

1. noun

   the formal presentation of a stated proposition and the opposition to it (usually followed by a vote)
   synonyms: debate, public debate

   type of:

   oral presentation, public speaking, speaking, speechmaking

   delivering an address to a public audience
2. noun

   a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement
   synonyms: arguing, argument, contention, contestation, controversy, disceptation, tilt

   types:

   argle-bargle, argy-bargy

   a verbal dispute; a wrangling argument

   firestorm

   an outburst of controversy

   sparring

   an argument in which the participants are trying to gain some advantage

   polemic

   a controversy (especially over a belief or dogma)

   fight

   an intense verbal dispute

   type of:

   conflict, difference, difference of opinion, dispute

   a disagreement or argument about something important