English Reference
noun

deliberation

n.
US /dɪˌɫɪbɝˈeɪʃən/ UK /dɪlˌɪbəɹˈeɪʃən/ de·lib·er·a·tion UK spelling deliberations

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of thinking long and hard about something before making a choice.

    the act of weighing and examining the reasons for and against a choice; mature reflection or careful consideration.

    Simple

    After much deliberation, she decided to turn down the job offer.

    In context

    The board reached its conclusion only after hours of quiet deliberation, ensuring every potential risk had been thoroughly evaluated.

    Usage

    Often used in the singular with 'much' or 'long'.

    impulsivenesshaste
  2. 02 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical Law

    a formal meeting or discussion where a group talks about all sides of an issue.

    the formal discussion and examination of the reasons for and against a measure, typically by a jury or committee.

    Simple

    The jury began their deliberations late on Tuesday afternoon.

    In context

    The treaty was the result of years of intense diplomatic deliberations between the two nations.

    Usage

    Frequently used in the plural when referring to a jury or a committee.

Edney says if the defence’s legal team had been staying at the same hotel as the jurors it would raise integrity questions about the deliberations.

The Guardian· 19 Aug 2026

Instead, it can signal important discernment and deliberation related to teaching and the meaning of education.

Phys.org· 18 Aug 2026

From Middle English deliberacioun, from Old French deliberation, from Latin deliberātiō. Morphologically deliberate + -ion.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old French deliberation
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated