deliberate

/dɪˈlɪb.(ə.)ɹət/verb

To think about something carefully and weigh it up before deciding.

Example sentences

“The jury deliberated for two days before reaching a verdict.”
“Take some time to deliberate before you accept the offer.”

The adjective, duh-LIB-er-ut, means intentional or unhurried; the verb, duh-LIB-er-ate, is this careful weighing. The endings sound different.

Synonyms for deliberate

consider
ponder
weigh
debate
think over

Related words

calculatedDone on purpose after careful thought about the likely results, often to get a particular effect.fortuitousComing about by chance or accident rather than by plan.inadvertentDone by accident, without meaning to or noticing.instinctiveDone automatically from natural impulse, without conscious thought.delicateFragile and easily broken or harmed, so it must be treated with care.delegateSomeone chosen to speak or act on behalf of others, for example at a meeting or conference.