What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deliberate
Example
She made a deliberate choice to pursue a career in medicine. [deliberate: adjective]
Example
He deliberately ignored her calls because he was upset. [deliberately: adverb]
intentional
Example
The artist made an intentional choice to use bright colors in her painting. [intentional: adjective]
Example
He accidentally broke the vase, but it wasn't intentional. [intentionally: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intentional is more commonly used than deliberate in everyday language. Intentional is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while deliberate is less common and often used in more formal or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deliberate and intentional?
Deliberate is generally considered more formal than intentional. It is often used in legal or academic contexts to describe actions or decisions that were made with careful consideration and thoughtfulness.
