1
Core action
Consider or discuss a question carefully before making a decision.
Example
The panel deliberated for three hours.
deliberate
/dɪˈlɪbəreɪt/ · dih-LIB-uh-raytverb
Consider or discuss a question carefully before making a decision.
Use deliberate to express this relationship precisely: consider or discuss a question carefully before making a decision.
What deliberate Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
Committee members deliberated over the competing plans.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
Jurors must deliberate before reaching a verdict.
Use deliberate Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The panel deliberated for three hours.
Committee members deliberated over the competing plans.
Jurors must deliberate before reaching a verdict.
Precision Matters
Deliberate overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
deliberate
vs.Means consider or discuss a question carefully before making a decision.
appraise
Means assess the value, quality, condition, or significance of something.
deliberate
vs.Means consider or discuss a question carefully before making a decision.
ruminate about
Means think deeply, repeatedly, and at length about a question, experience, or problem.
deliberate
vs.Means consider or discuss a question carefully before making a decision.
take into account
Means consider a relevant fact or circumstance when judging, calculating, or deciding.
deliberate
vs.Means consider or discuss a question carefully before making a decision.
offhand
Means casual, unprepared, or made without careful prior thought.
Test deliberate in Context
The board will consider the issue carefully before deciding.
1
The board will ___ on the evidence before approving either design.