【Discuss】 , 【argue】 , 【debate】 , 【dispute】 , 【agitate】 mean to discourse about something in order to arrive at the truth or to convince others.

【Discuss】 implies an attempt to sift or examine especially by presenting considerations pro and con; it often suggests an interchange of opinion for the sake of clarifying issues and testing the strength of each side.

【Argue】 usually implies conviction and the adducing of evidence or reasons in support of one’s cause or positionc.

【Debate】 stresses formal or public argument between opposing parties.

【Dispute】 , in the sense of 【discuss】 or 【debate】 , is somewhat uncommon. It more usually implies contentious or heated argument (compare 【dispute】 n at ARGUMENT).

【Agitate】 stresses both vigorous argument and a practical objective; it usually implies active propaganda and a determination to bring about a change.