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.
Their friendship remains warm, as the one between the leaders seems decidedly chilly.
From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026
But a new “Faces of Death” puts a decidedly contemporary spin on the story while keeping its volatile sense of disorientation and danger.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026
“This proposal is decidedly neutral and refrains from saying that any asset class is any better or worse than other investment types.”
From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026
“This proposal is decidedly neutral and refrains from saying that any asset class is any better or worse than other investment types, as the law requires,” said U.S.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026
Like Valerie, he’d been inspired by the leadership of Harold Washington when he was mayor, but felt decidedly less affinity for the old-school establishment represented by Richard M. Daley.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
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.
