disputation

[ dis-pyoo-tey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of disputing or debating; verbal controversy; discussion or debate.
2. an academic exercise consisting of the arguing of a thesis between its maintainer and its opponents.
3. Obsolete. conversation.

disputation

/ ˌdɪspjʊˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of arguing
2. a formal academic debate on a thesis
3. an obsolete word for conversation

Other Words From

• predis·pu·tation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disputation¹

1350–1400; Middle English disputacioun < Latin disputātiōn- (stem of disputātiō ), equivalent to disputāt ( us ) (past participle of disputāre; disput- ( dispute ) + -ātus -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion; replacing desputisoun < Old French

Example Sentences

Let us now turn to the other section, that over some of which there is excellent reason for disputation, over others none.

From Project Gutenberg

Opulence introduced the cultivation of the fine arts, with a taste for literature, and consequently for disputation.

From Project Gutenberg

A very long disputation followed, in which Plaise was desired to humble himself to the bishop; but this he refused.

From Project Gutenberg

Of the language used in the disputation we do not know; nor can we tell how the two recognized each other.

From Project Gutenberg

Next day I had nearly as good an audience, although it was the day for the disputation at the Sorbonne.

From Project Gutenberg