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.

---

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

---

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

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

From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2026

And now, ahead of a May town meeting that could decide whether the homeowners can expand the geotubes project to protect more homes—someone or something has struck.

From The Wall Street Journal • 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

Like Ed and Cynthia, you and your wife will have to figure out what you’re willing to give up or must have if you decide to retire abroad.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

“Eben, you’ll have to decide that for yourself,” said Calvin.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney

Related Words

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