decisively

American  

[dih-sahy-siv-lee] / dɪˈsaɪ sɪv li /

adverb

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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Other Word Forms

• nondecisively adverb
• predecisively adverb

Etymology

Origin of decisively

decisive ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

In the interim, the state and local governments must act decisively to enforce the existing wage floor, ensuring employers cannot use expanded housing deductions to push workers’ pay below the legal minimum.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

This year Dell decisively broke above an 18 month consolidation period.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

Congress acted decisively with Genius, and the Clarity Act is the necessary next step.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

"Grassroots movements and pressure from international bodies like the UN are the reasons why many countries, some more timidly and some more decisively, have started discussing reparation policies," said Martinez, the researcher into Spanish colonialism.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

They had reached the door, and the King’s captain spoke decisively.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

Related Words

• actually
• categorically
• definitely
• doubtless
• exactly
• positively
• precisely
• really
• surely
• truly
• unconditionally
• unquestionably