decisive
dih-SEYE-sihv
Decisive (adj) means settling an issue conclusively; producing a clear result. Example: “Her goal in the final minute was decisive and won the match.”
adj
1
Settling an issue conclusively; producing a clear result.
"Her goal in the final minute was decisive and won the match."
"The test gave decisive proof that the new method worked."
"The general's decisive victory ended the war."
2
Able to make decisions quickly and confidently.
"Be decisive when the waiter asks for your order."
"He is a decisive leader who never wastes time doubting himself."
"A good manager needs to be decisive under pressure."
How to use decisive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "clearly settling something" (a decisive win) or "quick and confident at making choices" (a decisive person).
Common pairings
a decisive victory
decisive action
decisive leader
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more decisive
- Superlative
- most decisive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her goal in the final minute was _____ and won the match.
Etymology
From French décisif, based on Latin decidere, "to decide."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for decisive
See all rhymes for decisive →Frequently asked questions
What does “decisive” mean?
The word “decisive” means settling an issue conclusively; producing a clear result. In plain terms, either "clearly settling something" (a decisive win) or "quick and confident at making choices" (a decisive person).
How do you pronounce “decisive”?
“Decisive” is pronounced dih-SEYE-sihv (/dɪˈsaɪsɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “decisive” in a sentence?
Here is “decisive” used in a sentence: “The general's decisive victory ended the war.”
What is another word for “decisive”?
Words with a similar meaning to “decisive” include decided, positive and conclusive.
What is the opposite of “decisive”?
The opposite of “decisive” — its antonyms — is indecisive.
What part of speech is “decisive”?
“Decisive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “decisive” come from?
The word “decisive” comes from Latin. From French décisif, based on Latin decidere, "to decide.".
Is “decisive” a common word?
“Decisive” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between decisive and assertive?
Decisive describes someone able to make decisions quickly and confidently, or an event that settles an issue conclusively. Assertive describes confidently expressing opinions or standing up for oneself, which does not necessarily involve making final decisions.
Can decisive describe an event as well as a person?
Yes, decisive can describe a person who makes decisions quickly and confidently, or it can describe an event, battle, or moment that settles an issue conclusively and produces a clear result.
What is a decisive moment in a game or battle?
A decisive moment or decisive battle is one that settles the outcome conclusively, producing a clear result rather than leaving the issue unresolved or open to further contest.
