decisive
- 1Able to end an argument or question for good, so nobody can dispute it.
Like the last move in a game that decides the winner.
The judge made a decisive ruling that ended the long court case.
A decisive win put them at the top of the league with no doubt left.
Similarconclusive, final, determining, crucial, definitive
Oppositeinconclusive, indecisive
- 2Quick and sure about making choices, without waiting or doubting.
Like someone who picks from a menu right away without waiting.
A good leader must be decisive when there is no time to waste.
She was decisive and chose the plan in seconds.
Similarresolute, firm, determined, purposeful, unhesitating
Oppositeindecisive, hesitant, irresolute, wavering
- 3Sure and clear, so that there is nothing left to argue about.
Like a clear photo that proves exactly what happened.
The new test showed a decisive difference between the two groups.
There was a decisive gap between the top runner and the rest.
Similarconclusive, definite, clear, incontrovertible, unequivocal
Oppositeinconclusive, ambiguous, equivocal
Practice
Can you tell the meanings of decisive apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.
Origin
From Middle French décisif. It comes from the word "decide" plus the ending "-ive".