deciding

[ dih-sahy-ding ]

adjective

1. that settles a question or dispute or leads to a final decision; determining; decisive:

   the deciding vote; The weather will be the deciding factor as to whether we have the picnic or not.

Other Words From

• de·ciding·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of deciding¹

First recorded in 1650–60; decide + -ing ²

Example Sentences

The justices could dismiss the case without deciding the constitutional question, or they could choose to rule on the lawsuit filed by the Tennessee parents.

From Los Angeles Times

His taxi driver said he waited for the veteran politician for more than 12 hours, before deciding to leave when he was unable to phone him.

From BBC

“I know a judge would be involved in deciding these things but how can they tell what is in someone’s soul?” she says.

From BBC

She said the Westwood campus’ welcoming environment for Black students like her was the deciding factor.

From Los Angeles Times

Other lawmakers have defended Jung, with Lee So-young, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, saying that “deciding to live with someone is a deeply personal and existential choice”.

From BBC

Related Words

• conclusive
• decisive