decisive
/dɪˈsaɪsɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈsaɪsɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈsī-siv/ (ame, mw)
decisive — adjective
- decisivepositive
- more decisivecomparative
- most decisivesuperlative
1. having the habit of making up your mind fast and with certainty about what to do
having the habit of making up your mind fast and with certainty about what to do — not hesitating or second-guessing yourself.
During the fire alarm, Kwame was decisive — he led everyone straight to the exit.
predicative use: was decisive
The manager's decisive action kept the problem from spreading to other departments.
collocation: decisive action
Aarav is not decisive — he can spend twenty minutes choosing which shirt to wear.
Rin's decisive answer surprised everyone who knew how shy she usually is.
Yara wished she could be more decisive when choosing between job offers.
- resolute
More formal; emphasises sticking firmly to a decision once made, even under pressure
- determined
Focuses on strong intention to achieve a goal, not specifically on speed of deciding
- firm
Less formal; suggests being steady and not easily shaken in your position
- indecisive
The direct opposite — unable to make choices or always changing your mind
- hesitant
Describes a temporary state of being unsure rather than a fixed trait
用法筆記
The opposite is indecisive (unable to choose or decide). In everyday speech, the phrase 'make up your mind' can replace the idea of being decisive, but decisive describes a personality trait rather than a single action.
常見錯誤
2. having a powerful effect on the direction or final outcome of an event, process,
having a powerful effect on the direction or final outcome of an event, process, or conflict — something that tips the balance one way or the other.
The decisive battle of the war was fought on a small island near the coast.
collocation: decisive battle
Maeve's quick thinking was the decisive factor in saving the injured hiker's life.
collocation: decisive factor
A single vote can be decisive in a close election.
The quality of the soil plays a decisive role in whether crops grow well.
The general's strategy was the decisive element in winning the campaign.
- crucial
Highlights the importance of something, but slightly weaker on the outcome-determining aspect
- critical
Often used for make-or-break moments; similar to crucial but can imply urgency
- determining
Directly emphasises the act of causing a specific result; more technical in tone
- insignificant
Something that does not matter enough to affect the outcome
- minor
Describes a small or unimportant part of a situation
用法筆記
Commonly paired with nouns that describe outcomes: factor, role, moment, battle, vote, victory, influence. Unlike sense 1, this sense does NOT describe a person's character — it always describes the effect of an event, action, or element.
常見錯誤
❌ 'Her calm personality was a decisive factor in the negotiation.' (if you mean she personally was quick to decide, use sense 1. If you mean her calmness changed the outcome, sense 2 is correct.) — Use the context to distinguish: sense 2 works when the noun refers to something that determines a result.
3. so clear and obvious that no doubt is possible — leaving no room for argument, u
so clear and obvious that no doubt is possible — leaving no room for argument, uncertainty, or different interpretations.
The DNA test provided decisive proof that the suspect was at the crime scene.
collocation: decisive proof
Élise's victory in the debate was decisive — no one could argue with her facts.
The photographs were decisive evidence that confirmed the scientist's theory.
Tariro's fingerprints on the safe latch were decisive proof of her guilt.
- conclusive
Specifically used for evidence or arguments that settle a question once and for all
- definitive
Suggests the final authority on a topic; often used for statements, answers, or lists
- unmistakable
Impossible to misunderstand; focuses on clarity of perception rather than logical settlement
- questionable
Open to doubt or debate; the opposite of beyond-doubt certainty
- ambiguous
Can be understood in more than one way; not clear enough to settle anything
用法筆記
More formal than sense 2. Used mainly with abstract nouns such as proof, evidence, answer, sign, or result. In everyday conversation, 'clear' or 'definite' is more common than this sense of decisive.