Part of Speech

Adverb

Pronunciation

/dɪˈlɪbəreɪtli/

Definitions

• In a deliberate manner; with careful thought or intention.
• In a way that shows consideration or forethought; intentionally.

Usage Examples

• "She deliberately chose to remain silent during the debate."
• "The company deliberately designed the ad campaign to appeal to young adults."
• "He deliberately ignored the warnings, which led to a regrettable outcome."

Etymology

The word "deliberately" comes from the Latin "deliberatus," meaning "to weigh, consider carefully." It evolved through Old French into English as an adverb form of "deliberate," which means "to consider carefully or intentionally." The suffix "-ly" was added to form the adverb.

Synonyms

• Intentionally
• Purposely
• Consciously
• Calculatedly
• Premeditatedly

Antonyms

• Accidentally
• Unintentionally
• Carelessly
• Spontaneously
• Impulsively

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "deliberately" may slightly vary based on regional accents, particularly in English dialects. In American English, the emphasis is typically placed on the second syllable, while in British English, the pronunciation may vary with a more neutral tone on the syllables.

Historical Usage

The adverb "deliberately" has been used in the English language since the 16th century, deriving from the Latin "deliberare" (to weigh carefully). Historically, it was used to describe thoughtful, careful, and intentional actions, especially in legal or philosophical contexts. Over time, its use broadened to describe any intentional, considered action in everyday life.

Cultural Nuances

In modern usage, the adverb "deliberately" conveys the idea of conscious decision-making, often with a positive or neutral connotation. However, in some contexts, it may carry a negative nuance, implying that an action was done with the intention of causing harm or mischief. For instance, "deliberately lying" or "deliberately misleading" carries a more sinister implication.

More Information

The concept of deliberate action is central to many fields such as law, ethics, and politics. In these contexts, actions described as "deliberate" are often seen as carefully considered and well-planned. In law, deliberate acts may be used to distinguish between premeditated crimes and those committed in the heat of the moment. In politics, deliberate decisions often reflect the careful weighing of consequences before any actions are taken.