Disputation
A formal debate or argument, typically a scholarly or theological discussion in which a thesis is argued and defended against objections.
nounDisputation
A formal debate or argument, typically a scholarly or theological discussion in which a thesis is argued and defended against objections.
nounImagine This
Imagine a medieval university hall where two learned professors stand at lecterns, a moderator cues them, and they present proofs, respond to each other’s objections, and the room echoes with careful, structured argument.
Sounds Like
dih-SPYOO-tey-shuhn
Looks Like
dispute + ation (resembles the word dispute with the -ation suffix)
Remember This
Disputation has roots in Latin disputatio, reflecting organized, methodical debate that was central to medieval scholastic education and certain theological discussions.
Other Forms
Connect With
debate, argument, discussion, controversy, polemic, scholastic method
Note
Disputation refers to a formal, often structured debate. It is broader than a casual argument and is not the same as simply 'disputing' something in everyday speech. Use 'dispute' for more general arguing; 'disputation' emphasizes form and scholarly rigor.