decide

American  

[dih-sahyd] / dɪˈsaɪd /

verb (used with object)

decided, deciding

1. to solve or conclude (a question, controversy, or struggle) by giving victory to one side.

   The judge decided the case in favor of the plaintiff.

2. to determine or settle (something in dispute or doubt).

   to decide an argument.

3. to bring (a person) to a decision; persuade or convince.

   The new evidence decided him.

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verb (used without object)

decided, deciding

1. to settle something in dispute or doubt.

   The judge decided in favor of the plaintiff.

2. to make a judgment or determine a preference; come to a conclusion.

decide British  

/ dɪˈsaɪd /

verb

1. (may take a clause or an infinitive as object; when intr, sometimes foll by on or about) to reach a decision

   decide what you want

   he decided to go

2. (tr) to cause (a person) to reach a decision

   the weather decided me against going

3. (tr) to determine or settle (a contest or question)

   he decided his future plans

4. (tr) to influence decisively the outcome of (a contest or question)

   Borg's stamina decided the match

5. (intr; foll by for or against) to pronounce a formal verdict

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Usage

What are other ways to say decide?

To decide is to settle something in dispute or doubt. How is it different from resolve and determine? Find out on Thesaurus.com.

Other Word Forms

• decider noun
• predecide verb (used with object)
• redecide verb

Etymology

Origin of decide

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English deciden, from Middle French decider, from Latin dēcīdere, literally, “to cut off,” equivalent to dē- de- + -cīdere (combining form of caedere “to strike, cut down”; -cide ( def. ) )

Example Sentences

According to the NUS, many students have been given a deadline by their university of mid-April to decide whether to stay on their course.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Scientists would then review the incoming data and decide which locations deserve closer study.

From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2026

Farmers who fear not being able to optimize their corn yields may decide to plant less corn or switch crops and plant soybeans, which need less fertilizer.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

Whatever you decide — to take the deal, or split the difference by accepting half of what he’s offering in return for keeping your $130,000 — make sure it’s locked in.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

I look through the pages again, then decide to email Mom’s agent.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko

Related Words

• agree
• choose
• conclude
• determine
• elect
• end
• establish
• resolve
• rule
• select
• set
• vote