to think carefully and at length about something, especially before making a decision.
The jury deliberated for several hours before announcing the verdict.
We should deliberate the proposal before voting on it.
✦ From late Middle English, borrowed from Latin dēlīberātus ("deliberate, considered"), past participle of dēlīberāre ("to consider, weigh well"), from dē- ("away, off") + lībra ("a scales, balance").
done consciously and purposely; intentional.
It was a deliberate act of sabotage.
Her deliberate disregard for the rules caused problems.
careful and slow, often annoyingly so.
He walked at a deliberate pace to annoy his rushing friend.
Her deliberate movements made the task take forever.
on purpose; with clear intention, not by accident
He deliberately left the gate open so the dog could run outside.
Maya deliberately ignored her ringing phone during dinner with her family.
✦ From Latin deliberatus, past participle of deliberare “to consider carefully”.
in a slow, careful, and thoughtful way
The judge spoke deliberately, choosing each word with care.
The old turtle moved deliberately across the sandy beach toward the ocean.
✦ Same origin as Sense 1, reflecting the idea of weighing and considering actions.
