discuss - to talk about a subject to someone. This is usually done in a calm manner. e.g. the teacher discussed with the parent about the child’s exam results. debate - usually it is about a serious topic and one side puts forward their views and the other theirs. e.g. the two political parties debated the topic of banning smoking. dispute - an argument or disagreement about something. e.g. the neighbours had a dispute about who the land belonged to.