Decisive
/dɪˈsaɪsɪv/
Definitions
2 meaningsHaving or showing the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively.
/dɪˈsaɪsɪv/
Able to make decisions quickly and effectively.
The decisive victory of the army ended the war.
💡 Simply: When you're decisive, you don't waffle! You make up your mind and take action quickly. Like when you *decisively* choose pizza over burgers when everyone else is still debating.
👶 For kids: When you're decisive, you make a choice quickly and don't change your mind!
More Examples
She is known for her decisive nature and strong leadership.
A decisive answer is needed to resolve the issue.
How It's Used
"The CEO was known for making decisive choices during times of crisis."
"The general's decisive leadership led to a swift victory."
"The coach's decisive tactics secured the team's win."
Serving to end a situation or debate; conclusive.
/dɪˈsaɪsɪv/
Producing a definite result.
The decisive vote determined the outcome of the election.
💡 Simply: A decisive event makes a huge difference. Like scoring the *decisive* goal in the last minute of the game!
👶 For kids: When something is decisive, it makes the final decision.
More Examples
A decisive moment arrived in his career.
The investigation produced decisive evidence.
How It's Used
"The decisive battle changed the course of the war."
"The decisive argument convinced the jury."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Decisive moment
A critical time or point when a decision must be made.
"The decisive moment in the game occurred when the batter hit the ball."
From Late Latin *dēcīsīvus* ("having the power to decide, decisive"), from *dēcīdō* ("to cut off, decide").
The word 'decisive' gained prominence in English during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in contexts related to military campaigns, political events, and legal proceedings, reflecting an increasing emphasis on efficiency and resolution.
Memory tip
Imagine a sharp, clean cut – like a decisive action. Think of a knife decisively slicing through something.
Word Origin
"To cut off, decide"