# deliberate

/dɪˈɫɪbɝˌeɪt/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/deliberate
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. intentional

adjective · CEFR B2

done on purpose and not by accident.

For teachers: done consciously and intentionally; resulting from a purposeful decision.

- It wasn't a mistake; it was a deliberate attempt to make me look bad.
- The company made a deliberate choice to ignore the safety warnings in order to meet the production deadline.

### 2. slow and careful

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

slow, calm, and careful in the way you move or speak.

For teachers: characterised by a slow, unhurried, and careful pace, often to avoid error or to show confidence.

- He spoke in a slow, deliberate voice so that everyone could understand him.
- The surgeon moved with deliberate precision, aware that even a millimetre of error could result in permanent nerve damage.

### 3. to think carefully

verb · CEFR B2

to think about something very carefully, usually before making an important decision.

For teachers: to engage in long and careful consideration; often used in legal or formal contexts regarding a group decision.

- The jury will now deliberate to decide if the man is guilty or innocent.
- The board of directors spent several hours deliberating the merits of the merger before finally calling for a vote.

Usage: Often used as an intransitive verb when describing a jury or committee.

## Examples

- The jury will deliberate for several hours before giving a verdict.
- The committee members need time to deliberate on the new policy before they hold a final vote.
- After the closing arguments concluded, the judges retired to their chambers to deliberate on the complex constitutional implications of the case, a process that lasted several days.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.