deliberate
deliberate — adjective
1. done on purpose, especially when the action is harmful or wrong — not the result
done on purpose, especially when the action is harmful or wrong — not the result of an accident or mistake
The fire at the warehouse was no accident — police say it was deliberate.
be deliberate — describing an event as intentional
Noor's comment was a deliberate attempt to upset her younger brother.
deliberate attempt + infinitive
Adaeze made a deliberate choice to ignore the offensive message.
The damage to the painting was too precise for an accident — it was deliberate vandalism.
The company's delay in paying suppliers was a deliberate strategy to save cash.
- intentional
the closest synonym but more neutral in tone; does not carry the same negative connotation
- calculated
suggests cold, planned action with awareness of the harmful result
- premeditated
used mainly in legal contexts for crimes planned in advance
- willful
emphasizes stubborn determination to do something, often despite knowing it is wrong
- accidental
happening without anyone planning or intending it
- unintentional
not done on purpose, though it may still cause harm
用法筆記
This sense often describes negative actions such as lies, attacks, or deceptions. For neutral or positive actions done on purpose, 'intentional' or 'planned' may sound more natural.
常見錯誤
2. done in a slow, steady way that shows care and attention at each step — not in a
done in a slow, steady way that shows care and attention at each step — not in a hurry
The surgeon made a series of deliberate, steady cuts through the tissue.
deliberative, steady cuts — describing careful physical actions
Lara spoke in a slow, deliberate voice so the audience could follow every word.
slow, deliberate voice — describing careful speech
With deliberate movements, the old carpenter sanded the wood until it was perfectly smooth.
Hui took a deliberate step forward, testing the ice beneath her foot.
The dancers crossed the stage at a deliberate pace, holding each pose for three seconds.
- measured
suggests a controlled, regular pace that has been carefully judged
- unhurried
simpler word; emphasizes the lack of rush without the nuance of carefulness
- purposeful
suggests each movement has a clear goal behind it
用法筆記
Only describes observable actions — movements, speech, physical processes. Unlike sense 1, this meaning has no negative connotation and is often used to praise someone's carefulness.
常見錯誤
deliberate — verb
1. to reflect carefully on something, often by talking it over with others, so that
to reflect carefully on something, often by talking it over with others, so that you can settle on a choice
The jury spent four days deliberating before they reached a verdict.
jury deliberates — common legal context
Constanza deliberated over whether to accept the promotion or stay in her current role.
deliberate over whether to + infinitive
The committee is still deliberating on the best way to use the donation.
Élise and her team deliberated for three hours before announcing the new policy.
The board deliberated about the risks before approving the merger.
文法句型
deliberate (about/on/over) + noun phrase
deliberate + wh-clause
用法筆記
Pronunciation differs from the adjective: verb /dɪˈlɪbəˌreɪt/ (four syllables, last like 'eight'), adjective /dɪˈlɪbərət/ (four syllables, last like 'it'). Commonly used in formal, legal, academic, and business contexts. The subject is usually a person or group making an important decision — not used for trivial choices.