WordValedeliberate
to think carefully before deciding
In more detail
1. (adjective) done intentionally and on purpose, not by accident
2. (adjective) careful and thinking about something slowly and seriously
3. (verb) to think about something carefully and discuss it before making a decision
Examples
- 1. She made a deliberate choice to leave her job.
- 2. He spoke in a slow, deliberate manner.
- 3. The jury will deliberate for several hours before reaching a verdict.
How to use deliberate
As an adjective meaning 'intentional,' it emphasizes purposefulness and suggests something was done with full awareness of consequences. As an adjective meaning 'careful and thoughtful,' it describes a measured, unhurried manner. The verb means to consider something carefully, often in discussion with others before reaching a conclusion, and is somewhat formal.
Common phrases
- deliberate choice
- deliberate attempt
- deliberate action
- deliberate decision
- deliberate pace
- deliberate over something
Synonyms
intentional · conscious · premeditated · purposeful · calculated
Opposites
accidental · unintentional · spontaneous
Word family
deliberately (adverb) · deliberation (noun) · deliberative (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse the adjective pronunciation (dih-LIB-er-it) with the verb pronunciation (dih-LIB-uh-rayt), and may not recognize that 'deliberate' can function as both.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD