'deliberation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'deliberatio' (from 'deliberare'), where 'de-' meant an intensive/away sense and 'librare' meant 'to balance, to weigh'.

'deliberation' changed from Medieval Latin 'deliberatio' and Old French 'deliberacion' and eventually became the modern English word 'deliberation' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'the action of weighing or balancing (options)', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'careful consideration or formal discussion' (including meetings to decide).