Decisively

/dɪˈsaɪsɪvli/

adverbIntermediate📊CommonAction
1 meaning2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

1

In a manner that settles or concludes something; in a way that is showing or expressing no doubt or hesitation; marked by firmness and determination.

/dɪˈsaɪsɪvli/

adverbpositiveIntermediate
Action

In a way that shows the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively

The general spoke decisively, ordering his troops to advance.

💡 Simply: Think of a boss who's super confident and takes charge. *Decisively* means doing something quickly and without hesitation, like when you know exactly what you want to order at a restaurant and say it with confidence!

👶 For kids: Doing something quickly and without changing your mind, like when you know what game you want to play.

More Examples

2

She handled the crisis decisively, averting a potential disaster.

3

The jury voted decisively to convict the defendant.

4

The government acted decisively to contain the outbreak.

How It's Used

Politics

"The Prime Minister acted decisively to quell the riots."

Business

"The company needs to move decisively to capture the market share."

Sports

"The team won decisively in the final game."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Idioms & expressions

act decisively

To take action in a firm and resolute manner.

"The CEO needs to act decisively to save the company from bankruptcy."

win decisively

To win a competition or contest by a large margin or with a clear advantage.

"The team won decisively, with a score of 5-0."

From the adjective 'decisive' (late 14th century, "conclusive") + '-ly' (forming adverbs). 'Decisive' comes from Old French 'decisif' or directly from Latin 'decisus,' past participle of 'decidere' meaning 'to decide.'

The word 'decisively' began to gain popularity in the 19th century, particularly in the context of military and political actions, as it related to the swift resolution of conflicts or situations. It signified an efficient approach.

Memory tip

Think of a judge banging the gavel *decisively* to end a trial.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to cut off, decide"

act decisivelymove decisivelyvote decisivelyspeak decisivelywin decisively

Common misspellings

desisivelydecisivlydecisevely

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written