debut
B2Formal to neutral; common in media, arts, and business contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A first public appearance or performance.
The formal introduction or launch of something new, such as a product, service, or artistic work, into the public sphere.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun, but can be used as a verb and attributive adjective (e.g., debut album). The verb form is more common in American English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'debut' is used predominantly as a noun. The verb form is less common and can be seen as an Americanism. In American English, the verb form is standard and frequent.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of formality, importance, and a planned introduction. In sports (especially US), it can simply mean a first game played.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, particularly in verb form ('to debut').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N: The band's debut was a success.V (intransitive): The film debuts next week.V (transitive): They will debut the new model in January.Adj+N: She released her debut album.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Make one's debut”
- “Debutante ball (specific social event)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The company will debut its electric SUV at the auto show.
Academic
The theory made its debut in a 1998 journal article.
Everyday
My daughter made her stage debut in the school play.
Technical
The software's debut version had several critical bugs.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The product is scheduled to debut at the London conference.
- She will debut her new collection next season.
American English
- The quarterback debuted for the Patriots last Sunday.
- The show debuts on Netflix this Friday.
adverb
British English
- The play ran debut at the National Theatre. (Rare/awkward; 'premiered' is better)
American English
- The model debuted professionally in New York. (Rare as a pure adverb; 'made her professional debut' is standard)
adjective
British English
- Her debut novel was shortlisted for a major prize.
- It was a debut performance he'd rather forget.
American English
- The singer's debut single went platinum.
- He scored in his debut game for the team.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Her debut in the film was very good.
- This is the band's first album.
- The young actress made her theatre debut last night.
- The company's new phone will debut next month.
- After a successful debut at the Paris Fashion Week, the designer gained international recognition.
- The policy debuted to mixed reviews from the public.
- The novel's critically acclaimed debut belied the author's lack of prior publishing experience.
- The technology debuted prematurely, resulting in a series of costly recalls.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DEBUT' as 'DAY' + 'BEAUTY' (a beautiful first day in the spotlight).
Conceptual Metaphor
A DEBUT IS AN ENTRANCE ONTO A STAGE (of public life, the market, etc.).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from Russian 'дебют' for all first attempts; in English, it's more specific to a formal/public first appearance.
- Do not use 'debut' for a simple 'beginning' or 'start' of a process (e.g., 'the debut of the meeting' is wrong).
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb in very formal UK contexts (prefer 'make a debut').
- Misspelling as 'debutt' or 'debbut'.
- Incorrect preposition: 'debut in' (an event) vs. 'debut at' (a venue).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'debut' as a verb MOST acceptable in British English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral to formal. It's common in news, reviews, and business, but can sound slightly stiff in very casual conversation where 'first appearance' might be used.
Yes, especially in American English. In British English, 'he made his debut' is more traditional, but the verb form is increasingly understood.
They are often synonyms. 'Premiere' is more strongly tied to performances (films, plays). 'Debut' has a wider application (a person's, product's, or idea's first appearance).
In British English, stress the first syllable: DAY-byoo. In American English, stress the last syllable: day-BYOO. The 't' is silent.
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