decisive

UK/dɪˈsaɪsɪv/US/di'saisiv/

Definitions

adj.

Settling an issue or producing a definite result; conclusive.

决定性的；起决定作用的。

adj.

Able to make decisions quickly and firmly.

果断的；坚决的。

Root Breakdown

Root-derived

de-down, away, reversal

ciscut, kill

-ivetending to, having the nature of

=decisive

de- (off) + cis (cut) + -ive (tending to) = 'tending to cut off.' A decisive victory cuts the contest dead — no doubt left. A decisive person cuts cleanly through options without dithering. The two senses are one image: a clean, final cut.

Root cid still carries 44 more words

Example Sentences

1.
Their goal in extra time proved decisive.
2.
A good leader has to be decisive, even with incomplete information.

Easily Confused

decisive vs decided — decisive describes a person or factor that cuts cleanly (a decisive manager, a decisive battle). decided describes a clear, unmistakable quality (a decided advantage, a decided difference). You can have a decided advantage without being decisive.

← Back to cid