Vocabulary Spotlight
Deliberate
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Done consciously and intentionally; also means to engage in careful thought or consideration.
“The board took deliberate steps to improve transparency in the organization.”
Pronunciation
[dih-lib-er-it]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Planned
Purposeful
Premeditated
Thoughtful
Antonyms
Inadvertent
Unplanned
Spontaneous
Impulsive
Related Words
Deliberatively (adverb)
Word Origin
The word “deliberate” originates from Latin “deliberatus,” the past participle of “deliberare,” meaning “to consider.” The root “liber” means “scale,” indicating the act of weighing or considering options.
Word Family
Noun: Deliberation – Careful thought or consideration.
Adverb: Deliberately – In a purposeful and intentional manner.
Mnemonics
Think of “deliberate” as “de-liberate,” meaning you need to remove (de-) the freedom (liber-) to act impulsively and instead act carefully.
Industry-specific Usage
Business
Deliberate planning is essential in business to ensure calculated risk-taking and successful outcomes.
Law
In legal contexts, a “deliberate act” is one that was intentional and conscious, often impacting case judgments.
Psychology
In psychology, deliberate practice refers to focused and purposeful practice to improve skills or performance.
In Context
In daily life, deliberate actions show intentionality, whether in goal-setting or communication. In academia, deliberation is vital for accurate research and analyses. This mindset of intentionality is valued in leadership, where careful consideration affects outcomes.