What does deliberatively mean?
Deliberatively means intentionally and with careful consideration. It is used when an action is knowingly chosen or when the manner of an action is especially considered, methodical, and unhurried in its reasoning. For example, a negotiator may say that a concession was made deliberately, while a critic might describe an omission as deliberatively intended to provoke a reaction. The word is more formal and less frequent than deliberately, although it can convey a somewhat stronger suggestion of thoughtfulness or calculation. It belongs to the same word family as deliberate, deliberation, and deliberative, all of which involve weighing matters carefully. In ordinary usage, deliberately is usually sufficient; deliberatively is most effective when the context specifically draws attention to an intentional decision or a careful deliberative process.
adverbIntentionally and with careful consideration; in a deliberate manner.
- Intentionally; on purpose.
- In a careful, considered manner.
"The committee deliberatively reviewed every proposal before reaching a decision."
"The wording was deliberatively left vague to avoid revealing the negotiations."
"She deliberatively considered both sides of the argument before responding."
Deliberately says 'on purpose'; deliberatively adds the visible suggestion of careful thought.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does deliberatively come from?
Deliberatively was formed in English by adding the suffix -ly to deliberative. The family ultimately derives from Latin deliberare, meaning 'to weigh, consider', and Latin deliberativus, meaning 'of or relating to deliberation'. English cognates include deliberate, deliberation, and deliberative, which preserve the original emphasis on careful consideration.
How deliberatively is actually used
Deliberatively is formal and less common than deliberately. Depending on context, it emphasizes either intentionality or a careful, considered manner.
Easily confused with deliberatively
Deliberately is the more common adverb and usually means simply 'on purpose', whereas deliberatively can also suggest a careful, considered process.