Decide
/dɪˈsaɪd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo conclude or resolve after consideration; to determine.
/dɪˈsaɪd/
To make a choice or judgment after consideration.
She decided to go to the party.
💡 Simply: It's like when you're at a restaurant and have to pick what you want to eat. You *decide* on the burger, meaning you're choosing it and ruling out the other options.
👶 For kids: To pick something after thinking about it.
More Examples
They decided against selling their house.
We need to decide what to do next.
How It's Used
"The committee will decide on the winner next week."
"The judge decided in favor of the plaintiff."
To bring about the determination of (a question, issue, or dispute).
/dɪˈsaɪd/
To cause something to be determined.
The evidence decided the verdict.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, a certain event 'decides' something. For example, the last goal 'decides' the winner of a soccer game.
👶 For kids: To make something certain.
More Examples
The final argument decided the debate's outcome.
How It's Used
"The new law will decide the outcome of the case."
Idioms & expressions
decide on something
To choose something after considering the options.
"We need to decide on a date for the meeting."
the deciding factor
The main reason or thing that makes you choose something or make a decision.
"Price was the deciding factor in their purchase."
From Latin *decīdere* ('to cut off, determine'), from *dēcīdere* ('to cut off, to decide'), from *dē-* ('off, away') + *caedere* ('to cut').
The word 'decide' has been in use since the late 14th century, originating from Latin. Early usage often related to determining legal outcomes or settling disputes.
Memory tip
Think of a fork in the road. You 'decide' which path to take, 'cutting off' the other possibilities.