deliberation

noun

de·​lib·​er·​a·​tion di-ˌli-bə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce deliberation (audio)
1
a
: the act of thinking about or discussing something and deciding carefully : the act of deliberating
After careful deliberation, he decided to study medicine rather than law.
b
: a discussion and consideration by a group of persons (such as a jury or legislature) of the reasons for and against a measure
The jury returned a verdict after a four-hour deliberation.
2
: the quality or state of being deliberate
spoke with clarity and deliberation
worked with deliberation on the painting
deliberative
di-ˈli-bə-ˌrā-tiv How to pronounce deliberation (audio)
-ˈli-b(ə-)rə-
adjective
deliberatively adverb
deliberativeness noun

Examples of deliberation in a Sentence

After hours of deliberation, the council came to a decision. Jury deliberations lasted two days. She spoke to the audience with clarity and deliberation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Marina Dimitrijevic, who chairs the powerful Finance and Personnel Committee that leads the budget deliberations, in a statement after adoption thanked those who were involved in the process. Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2024 After six hours of jury deliberation, Leilani Simon, 24, was convicted of all 19 charges against her on Friday, including malice murder, concealing the death of another and multiple counts of making a false statement, WTOC reported. Christina Coulter, Fox News, 1 Nov. 2024 Neither precision nor deliberation were the problem. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Oct. 2024 While all jurors heard each side's argument and witness testimony, only 12 will deliver a verdict, with the remaining three having been randomly excused as alternates just ahead of deliberations. Rachel Smith, The Courier-Journal, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deliberation 

Word History

Etymology

see deliberate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of deliberation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near deliberation

Cite this Entry

“Deliberation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deliberation. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

deliberation

noun
de·​lib·​er·​a·​tion di-ˌlib-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce deliberation (audio)
1
: the act of deliberating
2
: a discussion and consideration of the reasons for and against something
3
: the quality of being deliberate : deliberateness

Legal Definition

deliberation

noun
de·​lib·​er·​a·​tion di-ˌli-bə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce deliberation (audio)
1
a
: the act of deliberating compare premeditation
b
: a discussion and consideration by a group of persons (as a jury or legislature) of the reasons for or against a measure
2
: the quality or state of being deliberate
killing with deliberation
deliberative adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on deliberation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!