deliberate
Definitions
Done on purpose; intentional rather than accidental
故意的，蓄意的
Slow, careful and unhurried in manner
从容审慎的，不慌不忙的
To think about or discuss something carefully before deciding
仔细考虑，反复斟酌
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedde- ('thoroughly') + lībra ('weigh, balance') + -ate = to weigh something thoroughly in the mind. From the literal scales came the mental act of weighing a decision. The adjective ('deliberate choice') is the result of that weighing; the verb ('the jury deliberated') is the weighing itself.
Root liber still carries 4 more wordsWhy It Means This
The link to lībra 'scales' explains why one word means both 'on purpose' and 'slow and careful.' If you weigh a choice before acting, the result is intentional — and the act of weighing itself looks unhurried. Both senses are the scales metaphor seen from different angles.
Usage Guide
Note the pronunciation split: the adjective is di-LIB-er-it (final syllable like 'it'), the verb is di-LIB-er-ATE (final syllable rhymes with 'late'). Same spelling, different last vowel.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The report described the leak as a deliberate act of sabotage.
- 2.
She made a slow, deliberate movement toward the door.
- 3.
The committee deliberated for hours before reaching a verdict.
- 4.
Voters deliberated over the two candidates' proposals.
Easily Confused
deliberate vs intentional — both mean 'on purpose,' but deliberate adds the idea of prior weighing/planning (a deliberate insult was thought through), while intentional just means 'not accidental.' All deliberate acts are intentional; not all intentional acts are deliberate.