decisive

[dih-sahy-siv]

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.

decisive

/ dɪˈsaɪsɪv /

adjective

1. influential; conclusive

   a decisive argument

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of decisive¹

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

Example Sentences

Not Like Us, which was initially released in May 2024, was widely seen as the decisive blow in an ongoing battle between the rival rappers.

Read more on BBC

They called on the government to take "swift and decisive action" to tackle the challenges faced by the sector.

Read more on BBC

Attacking oil infrastructure was decisive in both Europe and the Pacific.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

To that point, his signature moment in October might have been muffing a routine fly ball in the decisive Game 5 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers last fall.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Mr. Winter is superb as Didi, the marginally more decisive and inquisitive of the two principal characters.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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