deliberation

[dih-lib-uh-rey-shuhn]

noun

1. careful consideration before decision.

   Synonyms: forethought, reflection

2. formal consultation or discussion.

3. deliberate quality; leisureliness of movement or action; slowness.

deliberation

/ dɪˌlɪbəˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. thoughtful, careful, or lengthy consideration

2. (often plural) formal discussion and debate, as of a committee, jury, etc

3. care, thoughtfulness, or absence of hurry, esp in movement or speech

Other Word Forms

• nondeliberation noun
• overdeliberation noun
• predeliberation noun
• redeliberation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deliberation¹

1325–75; Middle English deliberacion < Latin dēlīberātiōn- (stem of dēlīberātiō ), equivalent to dēlīberāt ( us ) ( deliberate ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Cardi B was found not liable on all counts by jurors after less than an hour of deliberations.

From Los Angeles Times

The hip-hop star was found not liable on all counts by jurors after less than an hour of deliberations.

From Los Angeles Times

Neither defendant appeared to react as the eight men and three women of the jury returned their verdicts, after five hours and 24 minutes of deliberations.

From BBC

The Times spoke to four senior UC officials about the deliberations, who explained the contours of the university’s approach.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of them refused to speak after audio of his brother's hearing was released to a media outlet, which spurred anger from attorneys and a dramatic pause in the deliberations.

From BBC

Related Words

• conference 
• consideration 
• consultation 
• debate 
• speculation