decisive
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
able to make decisions quickly and with confidence.
characterised by the ability to make firm decisions promptly and without hesitation.
Simple“A decisive leader is needed to guide the company through this crisis.”
In context“The board sought a decisive chief executive who could implement the necessary reforms without succumbing to internal political pressure.”
UsageUsually describes a person's character or a specific action taken by a person.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
settling something once and for all, or providing a clear result.
having the power to settle a dispute or determine the final outcome of a situation.
Simple“The team scored a decisive goal in the final minute of the game.”
In context“The archaeological evidence provided a decisive answer to the long-standing debate regarding the city's original boundaries.”
UsageOften used with nouns like 'victory', 'factor', 'evidence', or 'action'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
very clear and easy to see; leaving no doubt.
unmistakable or definite in nature; leaving no room for doubt or uncertainty.
Simple“There has been a decisive improvement in her test scores this term.”
In context“The data showed a decisive shift in consumer behaviour following the introduction of the new environmental regulations.”
Teacher's tipIn this sense, 'decisive' is often used in academic or professional reports to describe trends or changes.
Synonyms
Usage decisive action · decisive influence · decisive role
“That could prove decisive in an early primary state such as South Carolina.”
“The prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, said he had ordered the interior ministry and police to stop issuing licences to possess, purchase and carry firearms, and called for “tighter controls and decisive penalties”.”
From Middle French décisif, equivalent to decide + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.