decision
dih-SIHZHN
Decision (noun) means a choice or judgment made after considering the options. Example: “Choosing a career was the hardest decision she'd ever made.”
noun
1
A choice or judgment made after considering the options.
"Choosing a career was the hardest decision she'd ever made."
"The board reached its decision after a long meeting."
"It took us a week to make a decision about the new flat."
2
Firmness and confidence in acting or judging.
"He spoke with real decision, leaving no room for doubt."
"She acted with decision and took charge of the situation at once."
"A good captain needs decision when time is short."
How to use decision
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA choice that has been made, or the act of making that choice.
Common pairings
make a decision
reach a decision
a difficult decision
final decision
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Word forms
- Plural
- decisions
- Third person singular
- decisions
- Past tense
- decisioned
Fill the gap
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Choosing a career was the hardest _____ she'd ever made.
Etymology
From Latin decisio, "a cutting off, a settling," from decidere, "to decide."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for decision
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for decision →
Frequently asked questions
What does “decision” mean?
The word “decision” means a choice or judgment made after considering the options. In plain terms, a choice that has been made, or the act of making that choice.
How do you pronounce “decision”?
“Decision” is pronounced dih-SIHZHN (/dɪˈsɪʒn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “decision” in a sentence?
Here is “decision” used in a sentence: “Choosing a career was the hardest decision she'd ever made.”
What part of speech is “decision”?
“Decision” is a noun.
Where does the word “decision” come from?
The word “decision” comes from Latin. From Latin decisio, "a cutting off, a settling," from decidere, "to decide.".
Is “decision” a common word?
“Decision” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “decision” have?
“Decision” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a choice or judgment made after considering the options.
What is the difference between a decision and a choice?
A choice is the act of picking between options, or the options themselves. A decision is the firm conclusion you reach after weighing them. Choosing can be quick and casual; a decision usually implies thought and commitment. You consider your choices, then make a decision to settle the matter.
How do you make a good decision?
Good decisions usually come from clearly defining the problem, gathering the relevant facts, and weighing the options against your goals. It helps to consider the likely consequences of each path and to separate emotion from evidence. Once you have judged the options fairly, commit to the choice and act on it.
What are the types of decisions?
Decisions are often grouped by scale and style. Major or strategic decisions shape long-term direction, while routine decisions handle day-to-day matters. Some are made quickly on instinct, others slowly through careful analysis. In business, decisions are also described as programmed, following set rules, or unprogrammed, meaning new and unique.
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