decision

di-SIZH-uhn/dɪˈsɪʒən/

Pluraldecisions

6 meanings of decision

1
what was chosennouncountable
A choice that you make after thinking about something.
Like picking one road when the path splits in two.
She made a decision to stay home and study for the test.
It was a hard decision, but he sold his old bike.
UsageYou make a decision (not ~~incorrect: do a decision~~), often a decision to do something.
Similarchoice, judgment, conclusion, ruling, verdict
2
act of judgingnouncountable or uncountable
The act of making up your mind about something.
When the moment of decision came, she said yes.
After much talk, the moment of decision finally came.
UsageCommon in the moment of decision.
3
nouncountable or uncountable
In combat sports, a result based on the judges' scores, usually after the fight lasts its full length.
The fight ended in a decision because both boxers were still standing at the end.
He lost by decision even though he never fell down.
UsageA boxer wins by decision or loses by decision. The fight goes to a decision.
Note

Less common meanings

4
firmnessnoununcountable
The quality of being firm and sure about what you choose to do.
He answered with decision, and nobody argued.
There was decision in her voice, and the room went quiet.
UsageUsually after with: he answered with decision.
Similarresolve, determination, firmness, resolution
Oppositeindecision, hesitation, irresolution
Note
5
pitcher's recordnouncountable
In baseball, the win or the loss that goes on the pitcher's record for a game.
The young pitcher earned his first decision, a win, in front of his family.
She pitched seven good innings but did not get a decision.
Note
6
beat on pointsverbtransitive
To beat someone in a fight because the judges give you more points, not by a knockout.
She hopes to decision her opponent by winning every round on points.
The young boxer decisioned the champion after twelve rounds.
UsageYou can also say the boxer won by decision.
Similaroutpoint, beat, defeat

Practice

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Origin

It comes from Latin, from the word dēcīdō meaning "to decide," reaching English through Middle French.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 1 fact

English decision comes through Middle French from Latin, ultimately from dēcīdō, meaning “to decide.” en.wiktionary.org