decide

The word “decide” means to make a choice or judgment after thinking something over. In plain terms, to choose between options, or to settle how something will turn out.

“Decide” is pronounced dih-SYD (/dɪˈsaɪd/ in IPA).

Here is “decide” used in a sentence: “We decided to postpone the trip until next spring.”

Words with a similar meaning to “decide” include choose up, determine, find, judge, posken and make a decision.

The opposite of “decide” — its antonyms — are rush to judgement and jump to conclusions.

“Decide” is a verb.

The word “decide” comes from Latin. From Latin decidere, "to cut off, settle" — from de- ("off") + caedere ("to cut").

“Decide” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

To choose is to pick from available options, like choosing a dish from a menu. To decide is to reach a firm conclusion after thinking, and it may not involve set choices at all — you can decide that something is true, or decide to act. Deciding stresses judgment and finality.

The two overlap, but 'determine' is more formal and definite. It can mean to establish a fact ('determine the cause') or to resolve firmly ('determined to win'). 'Decide' is the everyday word for making a choice or settling a question after thought. Determination often implies stronger resolve than deciding.

The main noun is 'decision,' meaning the choice or conclusion you reach. Related words include 'decisiveness' (the quality of deciding firmly and quickly) and the adjective 'decisive.' Someone who struggles to decide is called 'indecisive,' and the act itself is 'decision-making.'

There's no single antonym, but opposites include 'hesitate,' 'waver,' 'dither,' and 'delay' — all meaning to hold back from reaching a conclusion. 'Postpone' fits when you put the choice off, while 'reconsider' means to rethink a decision you've already made.