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

• decisively adverb
• decisiveness noun
• 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

He called on the EA to show "decisive leadership, communicate directly with families and deliver a fully resourced interim package that preserves specialist support while pupils are away from school".

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"I think we're at a decisive moment, the next two or three weeks will be crucial."

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Baroness Hallet said Welsh ministers had failed to take "decisive action" against an "entirely foreseeable" Covid variant resulting in the lockdown.

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In a statement, he added: "We are taking clear and decisive steps to ensure the contest remains a celebration of music and unity. The contest should remain a neutral space and must not be instrumentalised."

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Early on, Oscar was quite decisive and undertook some brave moves when he had to.

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Related Words

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