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.
Anchored by Clemson University and dotted with former mill towns, it carries a decidedly working-class history that is a world removed from the chummy capital of Columbia and the wealthy cities along the coast.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026
There are good to very good players sprinkled around the team, but the collective is decidedly average, at best, in the rarefied air of a World Cup.
From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2026
The alleged plot to attack the White House was decidedly lower-tech and it remains unclear how close it actually came to fruition.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 2026
Kevin Warsh’s address was terse following his first Fed meeting as chair, but his messaging carried decidedly hawkish undertones, fueling bets that the central bank may raise interest rates later this year.
From Barron's ● Jun. 18, 2026
Hooke, an older and well-established scientist, was decidedly miffed at receiving less credit from the young whipper-snapper than he thought he was due, and said as much to his friends.
From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin
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.
