decidedly

American  

[dih-sahy-did-lee] / dɪˈsaɪ dɪd li /

adverb

1. definitely or unambiguously; without qualification.

   The many reviews I’ve read of that book have been decidedly lukewarm.

2. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of decidedly

decided ( def. ) + -ly

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

Here, the ratio tips decidedly toward olive oil.

From Salon • Jun. 16, 2026

A 38-year-old unmarried man who has worked in a bookstore for the last 20 years, he is decidedly a creature of habit.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

Yet it simultaneously professes anxiety about an Asian American who has decidedly not stood apart from American institutions and culture: After graduating from Yale Law School, Wang clerked for two Supreme Court justices.

From Slate • May 26, 2026

Adams’s process for designing his own products is decidedly analog: He uses scissors, cardboard and tape to make models.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

Sticky tried to smile, but in truth he was decidedly troubled.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart

Related Words

• clearly
• determinedly
• distinctly
• downright
• positively
• really
• terribly
• unmistakably