decisively

en
en
Change language
Translating...
Find language
Русский
Russian
Français
French
Español
Spanish
Deutsch
German
Português
Portuguese
/dɪˈsaɪsɪvli/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
In a firm and confident way, or in a way that clearly settles a result, question, or argument.
Practice using decisively in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The new evidence decisively changed the case.
  • The experiment decisively disproved the theory.
  • The vote decisively ended the debate.
  • He moved decisively toward the exit.
  • The candidate won decisively in the final round.

Similar words

definitively
overwhelmingly
determinedly
conclusively
resolutely
boldly
firmly
clearly
convincingly
clearly

Meanings

Firmly and confidently

adverb
everyday
neutral
In a firm, clear, and confident way that shows a decision has been made.

Examples

  • She answered decisively and closed the discussion.
  • The manager acted decisively during the crisis.
  • He moved decisively toward the exit.
  • "No," she said decisively.
  • The team responded decisively to the problem.
  • A leader must sometimes choose decisively.

Similar words

firmly
resolutely
confidently
determinedly
boldly
clearly

Clearly settling the result

adverb
everyday
neutral
In a way that clearly settles a question, contest, argument, or situation, often by producing a strong or final result.

Examples

  • The candidate won decisively in the final round.
  • The new evidence decisively changed the case.
  • The court ruled decisively against the company.
  • The experiment decisively disproved the theory.
  • The home team was decisively beaten.
  • The vote decisively ended the debate.

Similar words

conclusively
definitively
clearly
indisputably
convincingly
overwhelmingly

Etymology

Formed from decisive plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly. Decisive comes from French and ultimately Latin decidere, meaning to cut off or determine. The sense developed from cutting something off to settling a matter.

FAQ

What does decisively mean?

It means firmly and confidently, or in a way that clearly settles a result, question, or argument.

Is decisively an adverb?

Yes. Decisively is an adverb, so it usually modifies a verb, adjective, or whole clause.

What is the difference between decisive and decisively?

Decisive is an adjective, as in a decisive answer. Decisively is an adverb, as in answered decisively.

Can a person act decisively?

Yes. To act decisively is to act firmly, confidently, and without unnecessary delay.

What does win decisively mean?

To win decisively is to win clearly and convincingly, often by enough that the result is not in doubt.

What are synonyms of decisively?

Common synonyms include firmly, resolutely, conclusively, definitively, and convincingly.

What is the opposite of decisively?

Opposites include indecisively, hesitantly, inconclusively, and uncertainly.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...