decisive
Americanadjective
-
having the power or quality of deciding; putting an end to controversy; crucial or most important.
Your argument was the decisive one.
- Synonyms:
- final, conclusive
-
characterized by or displaying no or little hesitation; resolute; determined.
The general was known for his decisive manner.
- Synonyms:
- firm
-
a decisive defeat.
-
unsurpassable; commanding.
a decisive lead in the voting.
adjective
-
influential; conclusive
a decisive argument
-
characterized by the ability to make decisions, esp quickly; resolute
Other Word Forms
- decisively adverb
- decisiveness noun
- nondecisive adjective
- predecisive adjective
Etymology
Origin of decisive
First recorded in 1605–15; from Medieval Latin dēcīsīvus, equivalent to Latin dēcīs(us) ( decision ) + -īvus adjective suffix ( -ive )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Bazaaris provided financial support to the opposition and drew on their countrywide networks to help organize the unrest, lending decisive help to the uprising that included Iran’s mosque network, trade unions and many ordinary people.
It marked the decisive turning point in their 27-21 win for the first championship in school history.
"A firm and decisive stance from the international community is urgently required," he added.
From Barron's
But the 41-year-old's womenswear collection in September didn't convince everyone, and some observers expect him to put a more decisive mark on Dior and cement the new identity he's begun sketching out.
From Barron's
The Rams nearly were staggered by a late touchdown pass by Caleb Williams to force overtime, but their defense recovered to intercept Williams in the extra period, setting up the decisive drive.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
