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
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.
Decided in an entirely scientific manner, here are the year's winners and losers.
From BBC • Dec. 13, 2024
“Thanks for all the happiness shared since 2008. Decided to end my international career. The succession is ready. I will miss you guys…”
From Seattle Times • Dec. 7, 2022
In “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It,” the 89-year-old Puerto Rican actress holds nothing back, including the abuses large and small in early Hollywood.
From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2022
“Much confusion. Decided I was bisexual. Decided I was asexual … Got asked directly, ‘Are you gay?’
From Washington Post • Jan. 15, 2022
“Decided I’d hold off just yet. Decided to have a look myself. ”
From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson
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.
