decisive

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/dɪˈsaɪsɪv/
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A word for someone who decides firmly, or for something that settles an outcome or removes doubt.

Examples

  • The team needed someone decisive to choose a direction.
  • The goal was the decisive moment of the match.
  • He sounded calm and decisive during the meeting.
  • A decisive leader cannot wait forever for perfect information.
  • The report provided decisive evidence of the problem.

Similar words

confident
assertive
critical
key
settling
definitive
quick to decide
determining
firm
determined

Meanings

Able to decide quickly

adjective
everyday
neutral
Able to make choices firmly and without unnecessary delay.

Examples

  • She is a decisive manager in a crisis.
  • A decisive leader cannot wait forever for perfect information.
  • He sounded calm and decisive during the meeting.
  • The team needed someone decisive to choose a direction.
  • Her decisive style helped the project move forward.

Similar words

Settling the result

adjective
everyday
neutral
Strong or important enough to determine an outcome, end uncertainty, or settle a question.

Examples

  • The goal was the decisive moment of the match.
  • A decisive vote ended the debate.
  • The court's ruling was decisive for the families involved.
  • Better supply lines gave the army a decisive advantage.
  • The report provided decisive evidence of the problem.

Similar words

Etymology

From French décisif, from Latin roots related to decidere, meaning to cut off or determine. The modern word keeps the idea of cutting through uncertainty and reaching a result.

FAQ

What does decisive mean?

It means able to decide firmly, or strong enough to settle an outcome or question.

Is decisive positive?

Often yes. It usually suggests confidence and clear action, though it can sound negative if someone acts too quickly.

What is the opposite of decisive?

The main opposite is indecisive. Other opposites include hesitant, uncertain, inconclusive, and unclear.

Can evidence be decisive?

Yes. Decisive evidence is evidence strong enough to settle a question.

What is a decisive person?

A decisive person makes choices firmly and without unnecessary delay.

What is a synonym for decisive?

For a person, synonyms include firm and determined. For a result, synonyms include conclusive and definitive.

How do you use decisive in a sentence?

For example: A decisive vote ended the debate.

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