# deliberately

/dɪˈɫɪbɝətɫi/ (US) · /dɪlˈɪbəɹətli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/deliberately
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. on purpose

adverb · CEFR B2

doing something because you want to, not by accident.

For teachers: with intention; in a way that is planned or intended rather than accidental.

- 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.

### 2. slowly and carefully

adverb · CEFR B2

moving or speaking slowly and carefully to avoid making a mistake.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- He deliberately ignored my message to show he was angry.
- The architect deliberately chose sustainable materials to reduce the building's environmental impact over the next fifty years.
- The witness appeared to be speaking deliberately, choosing each word with extreme caution to avoid self-incrimination during the cross-examination.

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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.