deliberation

noun

de·​lib·​er·​a·​tion di-ˌli-bə-ˈrā-shən 

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 

-ˈli-b(ə-)rə-

adjective

deliberatively adverb

deliberativeness noun

Synonyms

• account
• advisement
• consideration
• debate
• reflection
• study
• thought

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

The mayor’s appointees on the Board of Police Commissioners also criticized the ballot proposal, saying they felt excluded from the deliberations. —David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2024

Here’s what to know about Trump’s plans Reports: Marlins outfielder Dane Myers broke ankle kicking clubhouse door on Saturday night after ejection Jury finishes 2nd day of deliberations without a verdict at Sen. Bob Menendez’s bribery trial Floor fights, boos and a too-long kiss. —Sun Sentinel, 16 July 2024

An alternate juror — a male — will join the panel when deliberations resume to decide the fate of 29-year-old Michael Jackson-Bolanos, who is accused of fatally stabbing the beloved synagogue leader during an alleged home invasion in 2023. —Gina Kaufman, Detroit Free Press, 15 July 2024

Jurors weighing the gold bars corruption case against Sen. Bob Menendez ended their first day of deliberations Friday without reaching a verdict. —Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 12 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

see deliberate entry 2

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

deliberation

noun

de·​lib·​er·​a·​tion di-ˌlib-ə-ˈrā-shən 

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 

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

dē-ˈli-bə-ˌrā-tiv, -brə-tiv 

adjective