Word
deliberately
Phoneticsde·lib·er·ate·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈɫɪbɝətɫi/
UK/dɪlˈɪbəɹətli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01on purpose
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. doing something because you want to, not by accident.
adv. with intention; in a way that is planned or intended rather than accidental.
Español:deliberadamente
“I think he deliberately ignored my email because he didn't want to help.”
“The witness was accused of deliberately withholding information that could have cleared the defendant during the initial investigation.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02slowly and carefully
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. moving or speaking slowly and carefully to avoid making a mistake.
adv. in a slow, unhurried, and careful manner, often to ensure precision or to convey importance.
“She walked deliberately across the icy path so she wouldn't fall.”
“The surgeon moved deliberately, aware that even a minor tremor could cause irreparable damage to the delicate nerve tissue.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “deliberately” in context.
Verb
01. deliberately ignore the rules
“He chose to deliberately ignore the rules even though he knew the consequences.”
adv + verb
02. deliberately mislead the public
“The company was accused of trying to deliberately mislead the public about the safety of their product.”
adv + verb
03. deliberately provoke an argument
“It seemed like he was trying to deliberately provoke an argument during the meeting.”
adv + verb
04. deliberately target young children
“The advertising campaign was designed to deliberately target young children.”
adv + verb
05. move deliberately and slowly
“The cat moved deliberately and slowly through the tall grass as it hunted.”
verb + adv
Adjective
06. deliberately provocative behavior
“Her deliberately provocative behavior was intended to get a reaction from the crowd.”
adv + adj
07. deliberately vague about details
“The politician was deliberately vague about details when asked about the new tax policy.”
adv + adj
08. deliberately opting
09. deliberately designed
10. deliberately targeting
Real-World Examples
“Is the Israeli military deliberately targeting children in Gaza?” “It is not the first time Israeli forces have been reported to have set fires deliberately.” “Newsweek, for example, focused on the "troubling possibility: that a seasoned captain may have deliberately doomed his jet – and nearly 250 lives".” Etymology
From deliberate + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/deliberately
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0