deliberate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "deliberate" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as an adjective or verb to refer to an action that is done with great care and thought. Example sentence: She ate her dinner with deliberate slowness, savouring every bite.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is deliberate.

The Economist

Despite the president's deliberate attempt to talk down the markets and the media's dramatic warnings of economic Armageddon posed by a mere 17% of the government remaining temporarily idle, the S&P 500 closed at a record high the day after the shutdown ended.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was not just an accidental lack of interest in what was going on at Kincora but it was a deliberate cover-up," Long said.

The Guardian

· Secondary education was reduced in Turkmenistan by one year, prompting human rights groups to complain of a deliberate attempt to dumb down the population to prevent dissent.

The Guardian

The Hebron governor said: "We condemn this crime, this assassination, as deliberate and premeditated murder".

The Guardian

Wes Hoolahan converted the second-half penalty after the centre-back was dismissed for deliberate handball and, despite a brief fightback by gallant Ipswich Town, Norwich regained the lead and now they are on their way to Wembley.

The Guardian - Sport

Three members of the Pakistani cricket team were exposed in the British press for accepting bribes to bowl deliberate no-balls in the Lord's Test against England in August 2010.

The Guardian - Sport

Collaery, who is one of a team of lawyers representing Timor-Leste in the international arbitration, has argued the raids were a deliberate effort by the Australian government to disrupt the proceedings, in which Timor-Leste alleges that in 2004 Australia improperly spied on the Timorese during treaty negotiations in order to extract a commercial benefit.

The Guardian

The next ones were less benign, driving through a rainstorm on the M11 in a deliberate, and not entirely unsuccessful, attempt to scare me.

The Guardian - Opinion

A web of deliberate confusion and propaganda has been spread over the rebellion, and has made thicker with each of the three regional meetings held in the last 10 days: in Victoria Falls, Addis Ababa and Mauritius.

The Guardian

To Duchamp, who could also have been writing about himself, Wassily Kandinsky's real contribution to art was a "deliberate condemnation of the emotional".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deliberate" to emphasize that an action was not accidental or spontaneous but carefully planned and executed. For example, "The company made a deliberate effort to improve its customer service."

Common error

Avoid mistaking "deliberate" (intentional) with "debilitate" (to weaken). For example, instead of "The illness had a deliberate effect", use "The illness had a debilitating effect."

Linguistic Context

The word "deliberate" functions primarily as an adjective to describe actions or decisions that are carefully considered and intentional. It can also function as a verb, meaning to consider or discuss something carefully, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deliberate" is a versatile term primarily used as an adjective to describe something done intentionally and with careful consideration. It can also function as a verb meaning to consider carefully. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically sound and frequently encountered in various contexts. It is particularly common in news and media, as well as in formal and business settings. When using "deliberate", ensure it accurately reflects the level of intention and planning involved in the action or decision you are describing. Be mindful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like "debilitate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Intentional

Focuses on the conscious decision behind an action.

Purposeful

Highlights the presence of a specific aim or goal.

Premeditated

Emphasizes planning and forethought before an action.

Calculated

Stresses the strategic and often self-serving nature of the action.

Considered

Implies careful thought and evaluation of different options.

Thoughtful

Suggests consideration for others and potential consequences.

Conscious

Highlights awareness and intention behind the action.

Willful

Indicates a stubborn and determined intention, often against advice.

Voluntary

Stresses the free and unforced nature of the action.

Measured

Emphasizes careful pacing and controlled execution.

FAQs

How is the word "deliberate" used in a sentence?

The word "deliberate" can be used to describe an action done consciously and intentionally, or to describe someone who is careful and slow in making decisions. For instance, "Her actions were "intentional" and calculated" or "The jury took its time to "consider" the evidence carefully."

What words are similar to "deliberate"?

Synonyms for "deliberate" include "intentional", "purposeful", "premeditated", "calculated", and "considered". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "deliberate" or "intentional"?

Both "deliberate" and "intentional" suggest an action done on purpose. "Deliberate" often implies more careful thought and planning, while "intentional" simply means it wasn't accidental. Choose the word that best fits the level of planning involved.

Can "deliberate" be used as a verb?

Yes, "deliberate" can be used as a verb, meaning to consider something carefully. For example, "The committee will "discuss" the proposal before voting" or "The jury will "debate" the defendant's guilt."