decisive

American  

[dih-sahy-siv] / dɪˈsaɪ sɪv /

adjective

1. having the power or quality of deciding; putting an end to controversy; crucial or most important.

   Your argument was the decisive one.

   Synonyms:

   final, conclusive

2. characterized by or displaying no or little hesitation; resolute; determined.

   The general was known for his decisive manner.

   Synonyms:

   firm

3. indisputable; definite.

   a decisive defeat.

4. unsurpassable; commanding.

   a decisive lead in the voting.

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decisive British  

/ dɪˈsaɪsɪv /

adjective

1. influential; conclusive

   a decisive argument

2. characterized by the ability to make decisions, esp quickly; resolute

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Other Word Forms

• decisively adverb
• decisiveness noun
• nondecisive adjective
• predecisive adjective

Etymology

Origin of decisive

First recorded in 1605–15; from Medieval Latin dēcīsīvus, equivalent to Latin dēcīs(us) ( decision ) + -īvus adjective suffix ( -ive )

Example Sentences

Olympics hockey hero Jack Hughes had his teeth knocked out, he scored the decisive goal in overtime to defeat Canada and win gold.

From Los Angeles Times

But Saturday's record 42-21 defeat at home to Ireland, which came just a week after an equally decisive hammering by Scotland in Edinburgh, effectively ended that lofty ambition.

From Barron's

Their first fight in Sheffield had Warrington comfortably in control until a decisive Wood punch in the seventh round ended the contest.

From BBC

If that Turner try ended up being the decisive moment in the game there was another moment, on 64 minutes, that could have filled that slot.

From BBC

Skaters bide their time in a peloton—before trying to break away from the bunch with a decisive burst.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• conclusive
• critical
• crucial
• definitive
• determined
• fateful
• forceful
• influential
• momentous
• positive
• resolute
• significant