What is deliberate? Pronunciation and usage in English

deliberate means . Learn how to pronounce and use deliberate through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of deliberate

deliberateadjective

/dɪˈlɪb(ə)rət/
Definition & pronunciation of deliberate

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "deliberate" in English. It can be a tricky one! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is broken down into three syllables:

  • del - pronounced like "dell" (as in a valley)
  • ber - pronounced like "bear" (as in the animal)
  • ate - pronounced like "eight"

2. Sounds:

  • del: Think of the "dell" sound. It's a short, clear "d" sound followed by a quick "ell" sound.
  • ber: Again, the "bear" sound – clear and distinct.
  • ate: This is simple – pronounced like the word "eight."

3. Putting it Together:

Say it slowly: Deh-ber-ate

4. Emphasis:

The emphasis is generally on the first syllable: Deh-ber-ate

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't link the syllables: Avoid saying "del-ber-ate" like a single, connected word. Each syllable should be relatively distinct.
  • Practice slowly: It’s better to start slow and get the rhythm right before speeding up.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. Here are some resources:
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce deliberate" on Google and click the audio icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/deliberate/ - This website provides pronunciations by native speakers.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you a few example sentences using the word "deliberate"?

Usage and examples with the word deliberate in English

Let's break down how to use the word "deliberate" effectively in English. It's a surprisingly nuanced word with multiple meanings!

1. Meaning 1: Thoughtful and Careful (Most Common)

  • Definition: This is the most frequent usage. It describes an action or decision that has been carefully considered and planned out, not impulsive or random.
  • Synonyms: thoughtful, considered, intentional, planned, measured
  • Examples:
    • "He made a deliberate effort to be polite." (He actively and carefully tried to be polite.)
    • "She took a deliberate step to avoid tripping." (She planned her step carefully.)
    • "The company conducted a deliberate review of its security policy." (They carefully examined and considered the policy.)
    • “The artist made a deliberate choice to use minimalist colors.” (The artist consciously selected minimalist colors.)

2. Meaning 2: Intentional and Purposeful (Often with a negative connotation)

  • Definition: This meaning suggests an action done on purpose, often with a specific (sometimes malicious) goal or effect. It carries a slightly more serious tone than simply "thoughtful."
  • Synonyms: calculated, premeditated, deliberate, purposeful, malicious
  • Examples:
    • "The attack was a deliberate act of sabotage." (It was planned with the intent to cause damage.)
    • "He gave a deliberate lie to cover his tracks." (He intentionally told a falsehood.)
    • “The politician’s deliberate speech aimed to mislead the public.” (The speech was carefully crafted to deceive.)

3. Meaning 3: Slow and Purposeful (Related to Movement/Action)

  • Definition: Describes movement or actions performed slowly and deliberately, often to show control or precision.
  • Synonyms: careful, measured, precise, paced
  • Examples:
    • "The surgeon made a deliberate incision." (The incision was made slowly and carefully.)
    • "He took a deliberate sip of his coffee." (He drank it slowly and consciously.)

Key Things to Remember:

  • Context is Crucial: The exact meaning of "deliberate" depends entirely on the sentence it’s in. Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand what the author means.
  • Adjective vs. Verb: “Deliberate” is primarily an adjective (describing a noun). However, it can be used as a verb:
    • “He deliberately lied.” (He intentionally told a falsehood.)

How to Practice:

  1. Fill-in-the-blanks: Try completing sentences using "deliberate" in the correct meaning.
  2. Rewrite sentences: Take sentences where “deliberate” is used and rewrite them using synonyms to see how the meaning shifts.
  3. Think about the intention: When you encounter the word, ask yourself: What is the purpose behind the action or decision? This will often help you determine the intended meaning of “deliberate.”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you trying to use "deliberate" in a specific context (e.g., writing an essay, having a conversation)?

Synonyms for the word deliberate

Practice with vocabulary deliberate

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The CEO made a __________ decision to expand into new markets, after months of detailed market analysis.
  2. During the negotiation, her __________ silence allowed the other party to reveal their full hand.
  3. The project team took __________ steps to ensure all security protocols were strictly followed before launching the new system.
  4. His actions, though seemingly random, were actually part of a highly __________ strategy to gain a competitive advantage.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words best describes an action that is done with careful consideration and intent? a) Spontaneous b) Accidental c) Deliberate d) Impulsive e) Intentional

  2. The committee engaged in a long and __________ discussion before reaching a consensus. a) Hasty b) Perfunctory c) Precipitate d) Deliberate e) Thoughtful

  3. When a researcher makes a mistake in an experiment, but it was not done on purpose, which of the following words would not apply to their error? a) Inadvertent b) Unintentional c) Accidental d) Deliberate e) Fortuitous

  4. The auditor performed a __________ check of all financial records, leaving no stone unturned. a) Superficial b) Cursory c) Meticulous d) Haphazard e) Thorough

  5. The new policy was developed through a __________ process involving multiple stakeholder groups. a) Careless b) Rash c) Hastily implemented d) Thorough e) Rigorous

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company decided to reduce its carbon footprint after carefully considering the long-term environmental impact. Rewrite using a form of "deliberate".

  2. Her calm and unhurried manner allowed her to approach the complex problem with great precision. Rewrite using a form of "deliberate".

  3. To ensure the success of the high-stakes project, the engineers completed every test with painstaking attention to detail. Rewrite the sentence, replacing "with painstaking attention to detail" with a suitable alternative that does not use "deliberate" or its forms.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. deliberate
  2. deliberate
  3. meticulous
  4. calculated

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Deliberate, e) Intentional
  2. d) Deliberate, e) Thoughtful
  3. d) Deliberate
  4. c) Meticulous, e) Thorough
  5. d) Thorough, e) Rigorous

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company made a deliberate decision to reduce its carbon footprint after considering the long-term environmental impact.
  2. Her deliberate and calm manner allowed her to approach the complex problem with great precision.
  3. To ensure the success of the high-stakes project, the engineers completed every test rigorously.

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