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

The result set up a decisive matchup next week with Carolina at Tampa Bay and the winner taking the last NFC playoff spot.

From Barron's

The important question for people who want the truth is what any particular goof says about the underlying ballots, and whether it involves enough votes to be decisive.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We believe the companies that create value over the next 1, 3 and 5 years will be those that have the courage to make decisive decisions that others are not willing to make,” he said.

From Barron's

The researchers suggest that this buried "spark of water" may have been a decisive factor in turning Earth from a molten inferno into the blue, life-friendly planet we know today.

From Science Daily

Experts say the next decade will be decisive for India's solar goals.

From BBC

Related Words

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