Word
decisive
Phoneticsde·ci·sive, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈsaɪsɪv/
UK/dɪsˈaɪsɪv/
Definitions
01making quick choices
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. able to make decisions quickly and with confidence.
adj. characterised by the ability to make firm decisions promptly and without hesitation.
“A decisive leader is needed to guide the company through this crisis.”
“The board sought a decisive chief executive who could implement the necessary reforms without succumbing to internal political pressure.”
Usage
Usually describes a person's character or a specific action taken by a person.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02settling an issue
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. settling something once and for all, or providing a clear result.
adj. having the power to settle a dispute or determine the final outcome of a situation.
日本語:決定的※
“The team scored a decisive goal in the final minute of the game.”
“The archaeological evidence provided a decisive answer to the long-standing debate regarding the city's original boundaries.”
Usage
Often used with nouns like 'victory', 'factor', 'evidence', or 'action'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03clear and certain
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. very clear and easy to see; leaving no doubt.
adj. unmistakable or definite in nature; leaving no room for doubt or uncertainty.
日本語:決定的※
“There has been a decisive improvement in her test scores this term.”
“The data showed a decisive shift in consumer behaviour following the introduction of the new environmental regulations.”
Teaching tip
In this sense, 'decisive' is often used in academic or professional reports to describe trends or changes.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “decisive” in context.
Adjective
01. decisive influence
“Her mentor's advice had a decisive influence on her choice of career path.”
adj + noun
02. decisive role
“The new evidence played a decisive role in the jury's final verdict.”
adj + noun
03. decisive action
Real-World Examples
“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”.” “That could prove decisive in an early primary state such as South Carolina.” Etymology
From Middle French décisif, equivalent to decide + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/decisive
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0