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

The Immigration Advice Authority, which regulates the industry, said it would "investigate and act decisively" to identify those involved in wrongdoing and "take robust enforcement action".

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Reverting to that approach against Spurs allowed them to pick moments in which they exerted energy, attacking the box decisively when spaces opened up – as a more naturally counter-attacking side.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Mr. Myles chose the flowers decisively, ignoring the vegetables.

From "Seedfolks" by Paul Fleischman

Related Words

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