decisively

[ dih-sahy-siv-lee ]

/ dɪˈsaɪ sɪv li /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for decisively on Thesaurus.com

adverb

in a way that settles a matter and puts an end to debate or speculation:The question, "Do habitable conditions for life exist elsewhere in the galaxy?" has been decisively answered in the affirmative.

in a firm and resolute way, without wavering:The Executive Office must be able to move quickly and decisively to preserve endangered ecosystems, history, or prehistory on federal land.

in a clear or definite way; indisputably: She has not only decisively beaten but ended the political career of every candidate who ran against her.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of decisively

decisive + -ly

OTHER WORDS FROM decisively

non·de·ci·sive·ly, adverbpre·de·ci·sive·ly, adverb

Words nearby decisively

decision support system, decision table, decision theory, decision tree, decisive, decisively, decisiveness, Decius, deck, deck-access, deck beam

How to use decisively in a sentence

As frightening as life was in early March, when the first cases were reported in the US, I was comforted and at times even proud, watching state and local leaders take fast and decisive steps.
In defense of California|James Temple|September 4, 2020|MIT Technology Review
If you’ll recall, back when we knew that this was coming from Wuhan, this was coming from China, our president made the decisive move to stop travel.
Full Transcript: Tomi Lahren on ‘The Carlos Watson Show’|Daniel Malloy|August 31, 2020|Ozy
In fact, I wish he would have done it sooner, but the media headlines were very different when he made those decisive actions to stop a lot of this from coming into the United States.
Full Transcript: Tomi Lahren on ‘The Carlos Watson Show’|Daniel Malloy|August 31, 2020|Ozy
We aren’t going to have a decisive victory, and it’s going to lead to our country being torn apart even more.
Go Behind the Tomi Lahren Interview on ‘The Carlos Watson Show’|Eugene Robinson|August 31, 2020|Ozy

Indeed, Minnesota is now one of the likeliest states to be the Electoral College tipping point — the state that delivers the next president his decisive 270th electoral vote.
Why Minnesota Could Be The Next Midwestern State To Go Red|Nathaniel Rakich (nathaniel.rakich@fivethirtyeight.com)|August 31, 2020|FiveThirtyEight
A year ago, majorities across the country supported the initiative, but polls have swung decisively in the other direction since.
The Polls Are In: ISIS Is Outside Your Window|Jack Holmes|October 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The respectable reformers, meanwhile, know how rare a chance 2016 is to decisively shape our national affairs.
The GOP Flees to the Cleve|James Poulos|July 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
First-time candidate and full-time economics professor Dave Brat decisively defeated the consummate pol by a 55 to 45 margin.
Tea Party Cannibalizes Cantor|John Avlon|June 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Conversely, the Bridgegate story now clearly and decisively is a real politically motivated scandal.
Chris Christie Took His Sweet Time to Find the Truth About Bridgegate|Sally Kohn|January 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Not only was the rollout a disaster, but now, the public has turned decisively against the effort.
Americans are Clear: Obamacare Just Isn't Liberal Enough|Jamelle Bouie|December 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST
If I don't hear from you very decisively to the contrary, I shall come, and trust to your good nature to forgive it.
Elster's Folly|Mrs. Henry Wood
Ultimately he decisively defeated Cassivelaunus, the leader, either near London or his capital, Verulamium.
The Towns of Roman Britain|James Oliver Bevan
"Nor will I listen to anything which compels us to separate again," added the son decisively.
The Young Ranchers|Edward S. Ellis
Philip having thus done all he could in the battle, but having been decisively beaten,Prudent conduct of Philip.
The Histories of Polybius, Vol. II (of 2)|Polybius
"I'll see about this without delay," said John Garwell, decisively.
From Farm to Fortune|Horatio Alger Jr.