'deliberative' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'deliberativus,' where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'liberare' meant 'to weigh or balance.'

'deliberativus' transformed into the Old French word 'deliberatif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'deliberative.'

Initially, it meant 'to weigh or consider carefully,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.