deliberate

Formsdeliberates, deliberating, deliberated

1. 1
   adjective

   Done on purpose and with intent, rather than happening by accident or chance.

   The committee made a deliberate choice to delay the announcement.

   Investigators concluded that the fire was deliberate rather than accidental.

   Similarintentional, conscious, voluntary, purposeful, wilful

   Oppositeunintentional, unwitting

2. 2
   verbtransitive

   To consider something carefully, weighing the matter well in the mind before reaching a decision.

   The board deliberated the merger for several weeks before approving it.

   Lawmakers must deliberate each proposal before bringing it to a vote.

   Similarconsider, weigh, debate, ponder, discuss

3. 3
   verbintransitive

   To weigh the reasons for and against a matter; to reflect before deciding.

   The committee deliberated at length before reaching consensus.

   Jurors must deliberate carefully before they can return a verdict.

   Similarconfer, debate, reflect, think

4. 4
   adjective

   Carefully considered and formed with thought, not sudden or rash.

   The strategy was deliberate, the product of months of careful planning.

   Her response was measured and deliberate, free of any rash impulse.

   Similarcareful, cautious, prudent, circumspect, guarded

   Oppositerash, hasty, impulsive, spontaneous

5. 5
   adjective

   Of a person, carefully weighing facts and likely consequences before choosing, and slow to decide.

   A deliberate negotiator, she weighed every term before signing.

   He was too deliberate to be rushed into a quick verdict.

   Similarthoughtful, circumspect

   Oppositeimpulsive, hasty, rash, impetuous

6. 6
   adjective

   Unhurried and steady in pace; not sudden or hasty.

   The surgeon's movements were slow and deliberate throughout the operation.

   He turned the key with deliberate care, listening for the click.

   Similarunhurried, measured, steady, slow, careful

   Oppositehasty, hurried, rushed, quick

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