Deliberating: meaning, definitions and examples

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deliberating

 

[dɪˈlɪbəreɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

making a decision

Deliberating is the process of carefully considering and weighing options before making a decision. It involves thoughtful analysis and discussion to reach a conclusion.

Synonyms

considering, contemplating, pondering, reflecting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deliberating

Used often in formal or serious situations where a group is discussing something thoroughly before making a decision.

  • The jury is still deliberating the verdict
  • The council spent hours deliberating over the new policy
considering

Used in everyday situations when someone is thinking about something carefully before making a decision.

  • I am considering a career change
  • She is considering whether to join us for dinner
contemplating

Used when someone is thinking deeply about something, often in a more reflective or philosophical manner.

  • He is contemplating the meaning of life
  • She spent the evening contemplating her future
pondering

Used when someone is thinking about something seriously and often for a long time.

  • He was pondering the implications of the new law
  • She sat by the window, pondering her next move
reflecting

Used when someone is thinking back on past experiences or considering them thoughtfully.

  • He spent the afternoon reflecting on his childhood
  • She is reflecting on her time spent abroad

Examples of usage

  • After much deliberating, they finally decided to buy a new car.
  • She spent hours deliberating over which college to attend.
  • The jury is still deliberating on the verdict.
Context #2 | Verb

discussing thoroughly

Deliberating can also refer to discussing a topic thoroughly and in detail. It involves exchanging ideas and opinions to reach a consensus.

Synonyms

conversing, debating, discussing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deliberating

This word is often used when people are carefully considering or thinking about something, especially in a formal setting like a jury deliberating a verdict.

  • The jury is deliberating over the evidence
  • They spent hours deliberating whether to accept the offer
discussing

Discussing is a general term used when people talk about something in detail, often to share ideas or make a decision.

  • They were discussing the plans for the trip
  • We need to discuss the project deadline
debating

Debating implies a structured or formal discussion, often with opposing viewpoints. It can also refer to informal arguments where people express differing opinions.

  • They were debating the merits of the new policy
  • The students participated in a debating competition
conversing

Conversing is simply talking or having a conversation with someone. It's a general term for any form of verbal communication.

  • They were conversing happily at the party
  • She enjoys conversing with her friends over coffee

Examples of usage

  • The committee spent hours deliberating on the proposed changes.
  • They were deliberating the best course of action to take.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'deliberare', meaning 'to weigh' or 'to consider'.
  • In the early use of the term, it was often related to analyzing ideas and thoughts in debate settings.

Psychology

  • Research shows that people who take longer to decide tend to feel more satisfied with their choices when they do make them.
  • Deliberation is linked to critical thinking skills, helping individuals to evaluate different perspectives before concluding.

Law

  • In legal settings, a jury deliberates to discuss evidence and come to a verdict before presenting their decision.
  • The process of deliberation in law emphasizes fairness, requiring careful consideration of all facts.

Team Dynamics

  • Successful teams often incorporate deliberate discussions to ensure all voices are heard, leading to better outcomes.
  • Deliberating as a group can help build consensus and foster a collaborative environment.

Cultural Reflections

  • Many cultures value deliberation as a way to achieve harmony in decision-making, reflecting a community-oriented approach.
  • In some traditions, taking time to deliberate signifies respect for the process and the opinions of others involved.

Translations

Translations of the word "deliberating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 deliberando

🇮🇳 विचार-विमर्श करना

🇩🇪 überlegen

🇮🇩 mempertimbangkan

🇺🇦 обмірковуючи

🇵🇱 zastanawiając się

🇯🇵 熟考する

🇫🇷 délibérant

🇪🇸 deliberando

🇹🇷 düşünmek

🇰🇷 숙고하다

🇸🇦 التداول

🇨🇿 uvažovat

🇸🇰 uvažovať

🇨🇳 深思熟虑

🇸🇮 premišljujoč

🇮🇸 íhuga

🇰🇿 ойлану

🇬🇪 გადაწყვეტის მიღება

🇦🇿 fikir yürütmək

🇲🇽 deliberando

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,512, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.