Thinking about something carefully, often with others, to reach a decision; weighing options thoughtfully.
From Latin deliberare (to weigh carefully), from de- (down/thoroughly) + liberare (to weigh), connected to libra (scale). The word originally meant a literal weighing, then became metaphorical for mental consideration.
Juries are famous for 'deliberating,' and that deliberate slowness matters—courts actually measure jury deliberation time because studies show rushed decisions and thoughtful ones can lead to very different outcomes.
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