deliberate

di-LIB-uh-rit/dɪˈlɪbəɹət/

As a verbdi-LIB-uh-rayt

Verbdeliberates, deliberating, deliberated

6 meanings of deliberate

1
adjective
Done on purpose, not by accident.
Like choosing to knock something over instead of bumping it by mistake.
The damage to the car was deliberate, not an accident.
She gave a deliberate nod to show she agreed.
Similarintentional, conscious, voluntary, purposeful, wilful
Oppositeunintentional, unwitting
2
verbtransitive
To think carefully about something before you decide.
Like weighing two things on a scale to see which is heavier.
The jury will deliberate the case before giving a verdict.
We need to deliberate our options carefully.
Similarconsider, weigh, debate, ponder, discuss
3
verbintransitive
To think about the reasons for and against something.
Like thinking hard about both sides before you choose.
The members left the room to deliberate in private.
She deliberated for a long time before making up her mind.
Similarconfer, debate, reflect, think
4
adjective
Carefully thought out, not done in a rush.
Like building something step by step instead of throwing it together fast.
Their plan was slow and deliberate, with every step thought out.
He gave a deliberate answer after thinking it through.
Similarcareful, cautious, prudent, circumspect, guarded
Oppositerash, hasty, impulsive, spontaneous
5
adjective
Careful and slow to decide, weighing all the facts first.
Like a chess player who studies the board before every move.
She is a deliberate person who never rushes a decision.
My grandfather was deliberate, weighing each choice for days.
Similarthoughtful, circumspect
Oppositeimpulsive, hasty, rash, impetuous
6
adjective
Slow and steady, not hurried or sudden.
Like walking carefully on ice so you don't slip.
He walked with slow, deliberate steps across the icy path.
She spoke in a deliberate voice, pausing between each word.
Similarunhurried, measured, steady, slow, careful
Oppositehasty, hurried, rushed, quick

Practice

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Origin

This word comes from Latin dēlīberō, meaning 'to consider or weigh well.' It is linked to a Latin word for 'a balance' or 'to weigh.'