あえて (aete): Dare to; deliberately despite objections
～あえて (aete)
Meaning
Dare to; deliberately despite objections
Formation and usage
あえて + V
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
Describes deliberately choosing an action despite difficulty or expectations; あえて～ない means deliberately refraining.
Examples
反対はあったが、あえて会議の延期を提案した。
Despite objections, I deliberately proposed postponing the meeting.
反対はあったが、あえて試験の延期を提案した。
Despite objections, I deliberately proposed postponing the exam.
反対はあったが、あえて研修の延期を提案した。
Despite objections, I deliberately proposed postponing the training session.
反対はあったが、あえて発表会の延期を提案した。
Despite objections, I deliberately proposed postponing the presentation event.
反対はあったが、あえて面接の延期を提案した。
Despite objections, I deliberately proposed postponing the interview.
How related patterns differ
ばいいのに can advise or regret; せめて sets a minimum and なるべく the best feasible effort. あえて deliberately acts despite difficulty. くらいなら prefers an alternative; くらいで treats a reason as minor, てまで marks an extreme price, and ないまでも lowers a requirement.