decidedly
Americanadverb
-
definitely or unambiguously; without qualification.
The many reviews I’ve read of that book have been decidedly lukewarm.
-
in a way that is free from hesitation or wavering; resolutely.
The heightened tension is occasioned by suicide bombers who have decidedly chosen death over life.
Etymology
Origin of decidedly
Explanation
Something described as being decidedly a certain way is absolutely that way, with no hint of doubt. If a character in a movie is decidedly evil, there's no question in your mind about it, it's so clearly true. The adverb decidedly is good for providing a strong emphasis. Your mom might be decidedly unhappy about your new car, or your grades might be decidedly improving this semester. In both cases, these things are undeniably clear. Decidedly comes from the adjective decided, or "resolute," from the Latin root decidere, "to decide or determine."
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.
He was known for taking decidedly corny-seeming songs that no other serious player would touch—“I’m an Old Cowhand,” “There’s No Business Like Show Business”—and blowing aggressive, braying solos over them, forging them into legitimate jazz.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026
He is both the 20-year-old sponge we all know — and were — and someone decidedly different.
From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026
London Theatre praised the play in its four-star review and said "it is decidedly modern in its outlook, colloquial speech, and, most potently, impact".
From BBC • May 13, 2026
Some of the people on the Iranian side are the same ones who once negotiated with Sherman, but those on the American side are decidedly not.
From Slate • May 1, 2026
By the time she finished, the name had a decidedly bumpy look about it.
From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser
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.
