Words / B2

di-LIB-uh-r-uh-t/dɪˈlɪbərət/

Deliberate as an adjective means done on purpose, or slow and careful: a deliberate mistake, a deliberate pace. Accidental is the opposite of the “on purpose” sense. The verb /dɪˈlɪbəreɪt/ means to think carefully (the jury deliberated). In speech, on purpose / slow and careful is enough. Do not use deliberate as a stylish synonym for slow in every sentence, and keep the adjective stress (/dɪˈlɪbərət/) apart from the verb.

Meaning

Done on purpose, not by accident; also slow and careful.

Examples

• “It was a deliberate attempt to mislead the committee.”
• “Leaving the name off the list was deliberate, not a typing slip.”
• “A deliberate walk through the gallery is the “slow and careful” sense, not a plot.”

Good to know

On purpose, or slow and careful (adj.). Opposite of on purpose: accidental. Verb: think carefully (different vowel in the last syllable).

Near in meaning

intentional

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