délibèrent

Délibérer is a French verb meaning to consider and discuss in order to reach a decision. The form délibèrent is used for the third-person plural in both the present indicative (Ils délibèrent) and the present subjunctive (qu’ils délibèrent).

Usage of the verb concentrates on deliberation in groups or authorities. It is commonly employed in political or administrative contexts, where councils, assemblies, or juries discuss options before deciding on measures or verdicts. For example, “Les membres du conseil délibèrent sur le budget” or “Le jury délibère sur le verdict.” The construction often includes the preposition sur to indicate the subject of discussion, as in délibérer sur un projet, une proposition, ou une solution.

Etymology and related forms: délibérer comes from the Latin deliberare, meaning to weigh or consider. The related noun délibération denotes the act or result of deliberating, often used to describe the process within a deliberative body and the decision that follows the discussion. In everyday language, the verb can also appear in formal or legal registers, reflecting its association with careful consideration and collective decision-making.

Usage note: while délibérer is regular in its conjugation, its use is typically formal and linked to situations where careful weighing of options is required. The distinction between deliberating and deciding is often encoded in phrases such as délibérer sur un sujet versus prendre une décision, highlighting the process versus the outcome.