intellectual debate

USAGE SUMMARY

"intellectual debate" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use "intellectual debate" to describe a discussion or argument that involves complex and thoughtful ideas or theories. It often takes place among experts or those with a high level of knowledge on a particular topic. Example: The conference featured an intellectual debate on the impact of technology on modern society, with experts from various fields presenting their arguments and engaging in respectful discourse.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's been treated as an intellectual debate.

The Guardian

The choice of strategy is more than an intellectual debate.

The New Yorker

The backlash from black leaders chilled intellectual debate.

The New York Times

As an intellectual debate, this is all very fascinating.

The New Yorker

Her contribution to intellectual debate far exceeded any narrow definition of literature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Without differing views, it's not possible to have an intellectual debate.

The New York Times

Such ideological niceties will feed the Senegalese appetite for intellectual debate.

The Economist

In Budapest, as in Vienna, football was a matter for intellectual debate".

The Guardian - Sport

In much of this analysis, she has accurately described an intellectual debate that continues.

The New York Times - Books

But why does this matter: isn't it just a somewhat arcane intellectual debate?

The Guardian - Opinion

Wilkins was quiet and hated arguments; Franklin was forceful and thrived on intellectual debate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "intellectual debate", ensure the tone is respectful and objective, even when presenting opposing viewpoints.

Common error

Avoid using "intellectual debate" to describe trivial disagreements or arguments lacking substantial evidence and logical reasoning. Ensure the discussion involves complex ideas and critical thinking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectual debate" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, it denotes a discussion involving complex ideas and thoughtful analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

According to Ludwig, the phrase "intellectual debate" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe discussions involving complex ideas and thoughtful analysis. It is suitable for formal contexts like academia, news, and media. The phrase is generally considered to have a neutral tone. Related phrases include "scholarly discussion" and "academic disputation". When writing, use "intellectual debate" to denote serious discussions and avoid using it for trivial disagreements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Scholarly discussion

Emphasizes the academic and learned nature of the discussion.

Academic disputation

Highlights the formal and often argumentative nature of the debate.

Theoretical argument

Focuses on the theoretical and conceptual aspects of the disagreement.

Conceptual discourse

Stresses the abstract and idea-driven character of the discussion.

High-level discussion

Indicates the sophisticated and advanced nature of the conversation.

Rational exchange

Highlights the logical and reasoned aspect of the conversation.

Critical analysis

Focuses on the detailed evaluation and assessment of different viewpoints.

Thoughtful deliberation

Emphasizes careful and considered discussion.

In-depth exploration of ideas

Focuses on a thorough examination of concepts.

Analytical conversation

Stresses the use of analytical skills in the discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "intellectual debate" in a sentence?

You can use "intellectual debate" to describe a formal or serious discussion involving complex ideas. For example: "The conference sparked an intense "intellectual debate" among the attending scholars.".

What are some synonyms for "intellectual debate"?

Alternatives include "scholarly discussion", "academic disputation", or "theoretical argument", each emphasizing different aspects of the discussion.

Is "intellectual debate" appropriate for informal conversations?

While grammatically correct, "intellectual debate" is more suited for formal or professional contexts. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "serious discussion" or "deep conversation" may be more appropriate.

What distinguishes an "intellectual debate" from a regular argument?

An "intellectual debate" typically involves complex ideas, evidence-based reasoning, and a focus on understanding different perspectives, whereas a regular argument may be more emotionally driven and less focused on rigorous analysis.