decided
Americanadjective
-
in no way uncertain or ambiguous; unmistakable; unquestionable.
a decided victory.
- Synonyms:
- indubitable, sure, definite, pronounced, certain, positive, indisputable, undeniable
-
free from hesitation or wavering; resolute; determined.
a decided approach to a problem.
- Synonyms:
- unhesitating, resolved
- Antonyms:
- uncertain
adjective
-
unmistakable
a decided improvement
-
determined; resolute
a girl of decided character
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of decided
Explanation
The adjective decided means recognizable, marked, or distinct. If you have a decided preference for classical music, you'll probably get Bach for your birthday and not the Beatles. Decided comes from the verb decide. If something has been decided, the question has been answered. So when we use decided as an adjective, we mean that there is no question about it. If you have decided political views, you won't be swayed by any debate. Decided can also mean distinct, as in a decided splash of yellow paint on your red car.
Vocabulary lists containing decided
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.
What if she decided that she would like to leave this house to an animal shelter or if she needed to sell it to pay for long-term care?
From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026
Fidelity added that this “is why we have decided to reduce IPO eligibility for this offering.”
From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026
When she was well enough, Chwalinska took up running and boxing as part of the recovery process and, after a four-month break, decided to go back to tennis.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
“All countries affirm the future relationship between Israel and Lebanon must be decided by the two sovereign governments,” the State Department said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026
We decided to tie both ends of the bell rope to the back of his mail wagon.
From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck
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.
