decision

[dih-sizh-uhn]

noun

1. the act or process of deciding; deciding; determination, as of a question or doubt, by making a judgment.

   They must make a decision between these two contestants.

2. the act of or need for making up one's mind.

   This is a difficult decision.

3. something that is decided; decided; resolution.

   She made a poor decision when she dropped out of school.

4. a judgment, as one formally pronounced by a court.

   It is the decision of this court that the appeal is granted.

   Synonyms: decree, finding, verdict, ruling

5. the quality of being decided; firmness.

   He spoke with decision and calm authority.

6. the final score in any sport or contest.

   The decision was 5 to 4 in favor of the home team.

7. Boxing.,  the awarding of a victory in a match not decided by a knockout or technical knockout, usually through a vote of the referee and judges.

verb (used with object)

1. Boxing.,  to win a victory over (one's opponent) by a point score rather than a knockout.

decision

/ dɪˈsɪʒən /

noun

1. a judgment, conclusion, or resolution reached or given; verdict

2. the act of making up one's mind

3. firmness of purpose or character; determination

Other Word Forms

• decisional adjective
• nondecision noun
• predecision noun
• redecision noun
• subdecision noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of decision¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English decisioun, from Middle French, from Latin dēcīsiōn-, stem of dēcīsiō “a cutting off,” equivalent to dēcīs(us) (past participle of dēcīdere “to cut off”; decide ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of decision¹

C15: from Old French, from Latin dēcīsiō, literally: a cutting off; see _decide

Example Sentences

Western governments — including some of Israel’s most loyal supporters — castigated the decision to invade, with Germany’s foreign minister slamming it as “the completely wrong path” and France saying the campaign had “no military logic.”

From Los Angeles Times

A spokesperson for Bangor University said it was making difficult decisions to ensure the future of the university in tough times.

From BBC

The Home Office is set to appeal against the decision and is reviewing the Modern Slavery Act to ensure it is not being misused.

From BBC

While local and federal officials searched for the gunman, Gray said, Robinson allegedly texted his partner, explaining his decision to kill Kirk.

From Los Angeles Times

Ohtani and the Dodgers will soon have to make a major decision.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accord 
• agreement 
• arrangement 
• choice 
• compromise 
• determination 
• finding 
• judgment 
• opinion 
• outcome 
• resolution 
• result 
• ruling 
• selection 
• settlement 
• verdict