deliberate
To think about or discuss something carefully before making a decision; done intentionally and thoughtfully.
Examples
In a meeting
“The committee will deliberate on the proposal and share their decision Monday.”
Over coffee
“I need a few days to deliberate before I commit to moving.”
Why this word
consider
deliberate implies careful, thorough weighing of options before decision, while consider is simply thinking about something
think
deliberate suggests methodical, intentional reflection with a decision goal, while think is any mental activity
discuss
deliberate emphasizes careful individual or group evaluation toward decision, while discuss is general conversation
Usage tip
As an adjective (deh-LIB-er-it), means 'intentional'. As a verb (deh-LIB-er-ate), means 'to carefully consider'. Different stress patterns.
Etymology
Latin deliberare — de (fully) + librare (to weigh, from libra 'scales')
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Related words
evaluate
To assess or judge the value, quality, or significance of something.
discern
To perceive or recognize a subtle difference or hidden truth.
defer
To postpone something to a later time, or to yield to someone else's judgment.
assumption
Something accepted as true without proof
authorize
To give official permission or approval for something
reconsider
Think about a decision or opinion again with the possibility of changing it