debater

Formal argument participant

A debater is someone who engages in formal or informal debate—arguing a position against an opponent.

The term most often describes participants in structured competitive debate, as in high school or college: She was a champion debater on the forensics team.

More loosely, anyone who argues points vigorously might be called a debater: He's a skilled debater who never backs down.

competition

opponent

One who contends against

competitorOne striving against others
tournamentMulti-round competitive event
roundCurved like circle

judge · adjudicator · finalist · champion · team · partner · ranking · ballot · elimination · preliminary

argument

logic

Science of valid reasoning

rebuttalFormal response disputing claims
counterargumentPoint challenging another's position
refutationDisproving a statement

premise · thesis · evidence · objection · proposition · reasoning · claim · warrant · contention · case

rhetoric

eloquence

Persuasive verbal grace

persuasionConvincing through reasoning
ethosCollective moral character
pathosPity-evoking quality

logos · delivery · cadence · emphasis · articulation · flourish · gravitas · presence · conviction · passion

skills

research

Systematic fact-finding effort

analysisMethodical study of parts
quick-thinkingMentally rapid, resourceful
listeningAttending to sound

note-taking · synthesis · anticipation · adaptability · composure · confidence · preparation · improvisation · refutation · cross-examination

format

policy

Adopted principle of action

Lincoln-Douglas1858 Illinois Senate debates
parliamentaryOf a legislature
cross-examinationOpposing party questions witness

constructive · affirmative · negative · flowing · signposting · roadmap

debater

opponent

logic

eloquence

research

policy

debater

Opposites

Phrases

Categories

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