Decide Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🤔

Add to dictionary

decide

[dɪˈsaɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

make a choice

Decide means to come to a resolution or make a choice after consideration. It involves the process of selecting from multiple options based on careful thought or judgment.

Synonyms

choose, determine, resolve, select.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
decide	When making a general choice or conclusion after considering different possibilities, often used for personal or less formal situations. I couldn't decide what to wear to the party. They decided to go to the beach instead of the mountains.
choose	Selecting from multiple options or preferences, usually emphasizing the act of selection itself. Suitable for both formal and informal situations. She chose the red dress over the blue one. Please choose a book to read from the shelf.
determine	Often used in more formal, business, or scientific contexts to mean coming to a decision based on evidence, facts, or calculations. The committee will determine the best course of action. Scientists are working to determine the cause of the disease.
resolve	Indicates making a firm decision to do something, often after deliberation. It can also mean solving a problem or dispute. May have a slightly formal tone. She resolved to improve her study habits. They hope to resolve the conflict through negotiation.
select	Choosing from a higher quality or more exclusive set of options. Often used in contexts implying a better or more refined choice. Please select the premium option for better service. The committee will select the winner from the finalists.

Examples of usage

I need to decide on a college to attend next year.
She couldn't decide between the two dresses for the party.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

cause to come to a resolution

Decide can also mean to cause someone to come to a resolution or make a choice. It involves influencing or determining the outcome of a decision.

Synonyms

affect, determine, influence, sway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
decide	Used when making a final choice or judgment between options. She decided to go to the mountains for the weekend. After much thought, they decided to adopt a child.
influence	Used when describing the ability to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something without direct force. Her friends influence her taste in music. The new law will influence how companies operate.
determine	Used when establishing or discovering the facts about something, often after investigation or calculation. The test will determine your skill level. They are trying to determine the cause of the accident.
affect	Used when describing the impact or change something has on someone or something. The weather can greatly affect my mood. His words did not affect her decision.
sway	Used when describing the act of moving someone’s opinion or decision, often by persuasion or force, and sometimes has a negative connotation. The politician tried to sway the voters with promises. Her speech did not sway his opinion.

Examples of usage

The presentation helped me decide on which car to buy.
His persuasive arguments decided her to change her mind.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Deciding can activate the brain's reward system, as the choice can lead to positive feelings and reinforced satisfaction.
People often experience anxiety when faced with too many choices, a phenomenon known as 'choice overload.'
The process of making a decision often involves weighing pros and cons, highlighting the cognitive load involved in reaching a conclusion.

Pop Culture

In movies, characters often face critical moments where they must decide between good and evil, representing moral dilemmas.
Television shows often portray decision-making as a central theme, showcasing the impact of choices on characters' futures and relationships.

Education

Teaching children to make decisions is crucial for their development, contributing to their independence and problem-solving skills.
Group activities in schools often involve decision-making to encourage teamwork and collective reasoning among students.

History

Many historical events are marked by pivotal decisions that shaped nations and societies, such as treaties and declarations.
Significant leaders throughout history, like decision-makers in wartime, have altered the courses of battles and fates of countries.

Origin of 'decide'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'decidere,' meaning 'to cut off' or 'to determine,' implying the act of cutting through options.
The prefix 'de-' means 'down from' or 'off,' combined with 'caedere' which means 'to cut,' reflecting the idea of narrowing down choices.

The word 'decide' originated from the Latin word 'decidere', which means 'to cut off'. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify making a choice or coming to a resolution. The concept of decision-making has been crucial in human history, influencing individual lives and shaping societies.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,146, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

...
2143 organic
2144 recognize
2145 structural
2146 decide
2147 mostly
2148 devoted
2149 parent
...