What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
thoughtfully
Example
She thoughtfully considered her options before making a decision. [thoughtfully: adverb]
Example
He is a thoughtful person who always considers the feelings of others. [thoughtful: adjective]
deliberately
Example
She deliberately chose to take the longer route to avoid traffic. [deliberately: adverb]
Example
He is a deliberate person who always plans ahead before taking action. [deliberate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deliberately is more commonly used than thoughtfully in everyday language. Deliberately is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while thoughtfully is less common and often used to describe a person's character or a gift or gesture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between thoughtfully and deliberately?
Both thoughtfully and deliberately can be used in formal and informal contexts, but deliberately may be more commonly used in professional or academic settings due to its neutral connotation.
