decide

decide

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Pronunciation

decide: /dɪˈsaɪd/

• de-: /dɪ/

• /d/ - voiced alveolar plosive

• /ɪ/ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel

• -cide: /saɪd/

• /s/ - voiceless alveolar fricative

• /aɪ/ - diphthong (as in "my")

• /d/ - voiced alveolar plosive

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Word Form Variations

Verb:

• Base form: decide

• Present participle: deciding

• Past tense: decided

• Past participle: decided

• Third-person singular simple present: decides

Noun:

• decision (from "decide")

Adjective:

• decided (as in "a decided advantage")

• decisive (another related adjective, meaning "having the power or quality of deciding")

Adverb:

• decidedly (from "decided")

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Verb

1. To make a choice or come to a resolution after consideration; to determine a course of action.

• Synonyms: choose, determine, resolve, conclude, settle, opt

• Antonyms: hesitate, waver, dither, vacillate, postpone

2. To cause someone to make a choice or come to a resolution; to influence an outcome.

• Synonyms: influence, sway, persuade, convince, prompt

• Antonyms: dissuade, deter, discourage, prevent

Noun (derived from "decide")

1. decision: The act or process of making a choice or coming to a judgment.

• Synonyms: choice, judgment, resolution, determination, conclusion, verdict

• Antonyms: indecision, uncertainty, doubt, hesitation, irresolution

Adjective (derived from "decide")

1. decided: Clear and definite; beyond doubt.

• Synonyms: definite, distinct, clear-cut, unequivocal, pronounced, undeniable

• Antonyms: indefinite, unclear, ambiguous, vague, uncertain, questionable

2. decided: Having made a firm choice or resolution; determined.

• Synonyms: resolute, determined, firm, resolved, unwavering, steadfast

• Antonyms: irresolute, indecisive, vacillating, hesitant, wavering

Adverb (derived from "decide")

1. decidedly: Without doubt; clearly and definitively.

• Synonyms: clearly, definitely, unequivocally, distinctly, certainly, absolutely

• Antonyms: doubtfully, uncertainly, vaguely, ambiguously, possibly, perhaps

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Examples of Use

Books:

• "The court had to decide whether the new law was constitutional." (Jeffrey Toobin, The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court, September 2007)

• "He could not decide which of the two paths to take, each shrouded in mist." (J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, July 2007)

Newspapers:

• "Kenya's electoral commission will decide on the validity of the petitions by next week." (Daily Nation)

• "Shareholders are set to decide on the proposed merger during the annual general meeting." (The Wall Street Journal)

Online Publications:

• "Before you decide on a new streaming service, consider your viewing habits and budget." (CNET)

• "Meta's new AI tool helps users decide on appropriate content moderation actions." (TechCrunch)

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Film: "I've made my choice. And I will decide my own fate." (Gladiator, May 2000)

• Television Series: "It's time to decide who gets to stay and who goes home." (Survivor, May 2025, referring to a contestant elimination)

• Music (Lyrics): "Don't ever let nobody decide your destiny." (Beyoncé, "Freedom", April 2016)

• Video Games: (Dialogue option) "Do you decide to help the villagers, or continue on your quest?" (Baldur's Gate 3, August 2023)

General Public Discourse:

• "We need to decide on a venue for the school reunion by the end of the month." (Parent-Teacher Association meeting)

• "The manager must decide if the new player fits into the team's strategy." (Sports commentary)

• "It's up to each individual to decide what they believe is right." (Public debate)

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10 Quotes Using Decide

1. "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, July 1954)

2. "Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide." (Napoleon Bonaparte)

3. "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." (Maya Angelou, Letter to My Daughter, May 2008)

4. "The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do." (Amelia Earhart)

5. "I don't want other people to decide who I am. I want to decide that for myself." (Emma Watson)

6. "If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice." (Neil Peart)

7. "In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing." (Theodore Roosevelt)

8. "Every man gotta right to decide his own destiny." (Bob Marley)

9. "The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

10. "History will decide if I'm a villain or a hero." (Harlan Ellison)

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Etymology

The word "decide" has a rather interesting origin, connecting to the idea of "cutting."

It comes from the Latin word dēcīdere, which literally meant "to cut off." This Latin word was formed by combining two parts:

• dē-: a prefix meaning "off" or "down from."

• caedere: a verb meaning "to strike" or "to cut down."

So, when you "decide" something, the original sense was like "cutting off" all other options or possibilities, leaving only one clear path or resolution. Imagine a clear cut that separates one choice from all others.

The word "decide" entered the English language in the late 14th century, around 1350-1400, coming through Old French ("decider"). At that time, its primary meaning was "to settle a dispute" or "to determine a controversy." It was about bringing something to a definitive end, often by making a firm judgment. The meaning of "making up one's mind" or "choosing a course of action" became more common later, around the 1830s.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Decide

• Decide for oneself: To make a choice independently, without influence from others.

• Decide on something: To make a choice or judgment about a particular thing.

• Decide between X and Y: To choose one option from two or more alternatives.

• Decide the fate of: To determine the future or outcome for someone or something.

• Decide to do something: To make a resolution or commitment to perform an action.

• To decide the matter: To bring a situation or issue to a conclusion.

• Decide against something: To choose not to do or support something.

Phrases & Idioms Using Synonyms (for similar effect):

• Make up one's mind: To come to a definite conclusion or decision (uses "mind" which relates to the act of deciding).

• Call the shots: To be in a position to make important decisions (uses "shots" as in definitive actions).

• Settle the score: To resolve a conflict or get revenge (implies a final determination).

• Draw a line in the sand: To establish a point beyond which one will not go; to make a firm stand (implies a decision).

• Take a stand: To express a firm opinion or decision on a matter.

• Come to a conclusion: To reach a final judgment or determination.

• Seal the deal: To finalize an agreement or decision.

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of decide from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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