Decided: meaning, definitions and examples

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decided

 

[dɪˈsaɪdɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

making a choice

To come to a resolution in the mind as a result of consideration.

Synonyms

choose, pick, select.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
decided

Use when someone has made a final choice after considering different options. It indicates a firm decision has been made.

  • She decided to move to New York after much thought
  • He decided not to participate in the competition
choose

Use when someone is in the process of selecting or has the ability to select from multiple options.

  • You can choose between the red dress and the blue one
  • They chose the Italian restaurant for dinner
select

Use in formal contexts or when emphasizing the care or criteria involved in making a choice. It often suggests a deliberate and considered decision.

  • The committee will select the best candidate for the job
  • Please select your preferences from the options provided
pick

Commonly used in informal situations as a synonym for 'choose'. It sometimes implies a more casual decision-making process.

  • Just pick any movie you like
  • She picked the lavender scent for her room

Examples of usage

  • I decided to take the job offer in New York.
  • After much deliberation, she decided to end her relationship.
Context #2 | Verb

determined

To make a final choice or judgment about.

Synonyms

determine, resolve, settle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
decided

Used when someone has made a firm decision about something.

  • He decided to go on a vacation.
  • They decided to buy a new house.
resolve

Used when someone makes a firm decision or solves a problem. Often carries a connotation of firmness and finality.

  • She resolved to eat healthier.
  • They resolved the conflict peacefully.
determine

Used to describe finding out something or coming to a firm decision.

  • They need to determine the cause of the problem.
  • We will determine the best course of action.
settle

Used when someone makes a decision after deliberation or when a dispute is resolved. Can also imply making a final decision after considering various options.

  • They settled on a new plan after many discussions.
  • The argument was settled amicably.

Examples of usage

  • The committee decided on a course of action.
  • She decided that it was time to move on.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'decidere,' meaning 'to cut off,' which reflects the idea of cutting away options.
  • Middle English adopted the term around the 14th century, emphasizing its long-standing importance in decision-making.
  • Its root 'cidere' means 'to cut,' which is an interesting way of thinking about how making a choice involves cutting out other possibilities.

Psychology

  • Research shows that making decisions can impact our happiness; decisive people often report feeling more satisfied.
  • The brain experiences different responses when contemplating choices versus making them, with clarity often leading to reduced stress.
  • Studies indicate that indecision can lead to increased anxiety, while feeling empowered to decide promotes confidence.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and literature, characters facing tough choices often reflect deeper themes, showing the weight of decisions.
  • The popular phrase 'You’ve got to make a choice!' highlights cultural narratives about responsibility and agency in decision-making.
  • Many songs explore themes of choosing love or a certain path, resonating with audiences who relate to making difficult choices.

Education

  • In learning environments, teaching decision-making skills is crucial; it helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving.
  • Group projects often require collective decision-making, which teaches collaboration and the importance of diverse perspectives.
  • Students benefit from understanding decision-making frameworks, like pros and cons lists, to help them structure their choices.

Business

  • Effective decision-making is a key skill for leaders; it impacts team dynamics and project success.
  • Many organizations use data analysis to inform their strategic decisions, showcasing the modern blend of intuition and information.
  • Business theories often discuss decision-making models, like rational choice and bounded rationality, to analyze how decisions are made.

Translations

Translations of the word "decided" in other languages:

🇵🇹 decidido

🇮🇳 निर्णय लिया हुआ

🇩🇪 entschieden

🇮🇩 diputuskan

🇺🇦 вирішений

🇵🇱 zdecydowany

🇯🇵 決定した (けっていした)

🇫🇷 décidé

🇪🇸 decidido

🇹🇷 karar verilmiş

🇰🇷 결정된 (gyeoljeongdoen)

🇸🇦 مُقرَّر

🇨🇿 rozhodnutý

🇸🇰 rozhodnutý

🇨🇳 决定了的 (juédìngle de)

🇸🇮 odločen

🇮🇸 ákveðið

🇰🇿 шешілген

🇬🇪 გადაწყვეტილი (gadatskvetili)

🇦🇿 qərar verilib

🇲🇽 decidido

Word Frequency Rank

At #897 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.