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Choosing words: "purposely" vs. "deliberately"

Anwar Kareem 06/11/2024, 16:12
English.me team member
Purposely and deliberately. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "purposely" and "deliberately" refer to actions that are done with intention or on purpose. They imply that the actor has considered their actions and is aware of the consequences or goals.

What is different?

While both words convey intentionality, "purposely" is more often used in context where an action is performed with a specific purpose or aim in mind. "Deliberately" suggests a level of thought or consideration before the action is taken, often to emphasize careful or conscious intention. The nuance might differ slightly based on context, but they can often be used interchangeably.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for purposely) and deliberately

Examples of usage

Purposely
  • She purposely left the door open to let the cat out.
  • He purposely avoided answering the question directly.
  • They purposely scheduled the meeting for 5 PM to ensure everyone could attend.
Deliberately
  • He deliberately ignored the warning signs.
  • She deliberately paced her speech to emphasize each point.
  • The artist deliberately used dark colors to create a sense of mystery.