What does "deliberation" mean?
The act of deliberating, or of weighing and examining the reasons for and against a choice or measure; careful consideration; mature reflection.
Deliberation
/dɪˌlɪbəˈɹeɪʃən/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of deliberating, or of weighing and examining the reasons for and against a choice or measure; careful consideration; mature reflection.
- Grammar: deliberation is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: academic decision, administrative decision, advisement, advisement.
- Useful contrasts: animalistic drive, animalistic instincts, cognitive judgment.
- Usage evidence: He performed his duty with deliberation.
How to use "deliberation"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "deliberation" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "deliberation" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "deliberation" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "deliberation" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "deliberation", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of deliberating, or of weighing and examining the reasons for and against a choice or measure; careful consideration; mature reflection. countable, uncountable
"The oftener the measure is brought under examination, the greater the diversity in the situations of those who are to examine it, the less must be the danger of those errors which flow from want of due deliberation, or of those missteps which proceed from the contagion of some common passion or interest."
- 2 the trait of thoughtfulness in action or decision wordnet
- 3 Careful discussion and examination of the reasons for and against a measure. countable, uncountable
"the deliberations of a legislative body or council"
- 4 a rate demonstrating an absence of haste or hurry wordnet
- 5 careful consideration wordnet
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 planning something carefully and intentionally wordnet
- 7 (usually plural) discussion of all sides of a question wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
animalistic driveanimalistic instinctscognitive judgmentimpetuous energy
Example
"He performed his duty with deliberation."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "deliberation"?
Common synonyms include: academic decision, administrative decision, advisement, advisement, aforethought, airing.
How do you use "deliberation" in a sentence?
He performed his duty with deliberation.
How do you pronounce "deliberation"?
Pronounced /dɪˌlɪbəˈɹeɪʃən/.
Etymology
From Middle English deliberacioun, from Old French deliberation, from Latin deliberātiō. Morphologically deliberate + -ion.