I. di-ˈli-bə-ˌrāt verb
( -at·ed ; -at·ing )
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
: to think about or discuss issues and decisions carefully
transitive verb
: to think about deliberately and often with formal discussion before reaching a decision
Synonyms: see think
II. di-ˈli-bə-rət, -ˈlib-rət adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin deliberatus, past participle of deliberare to consider carefully, perhaps alteration of * delibrare, from de- + libra scale, pound
Date: 15th century
1. : characterized by or resulting from careful and thorough consideration
a deliberate decision
2. : characterized by awareness of the consequences
deliberate falsehood
3. : slow, unhurried, and steady as though allowing time for decision on each individual action involved
a deliberate pace
Synonyms: see voluntary
• de·lib·er·ate·ly adverb
• de·lib·er·ate·ness noun