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decisively

C1
Fairly common

Pronunciation

UK

  • /dɪsˈaɪsɪvli/

US

  • /dɪˈsaɪsɪvli/

Meanings

Adverb

  1. in a way that clearly settles a result or question

  2. with firmness, confidence, and readiness to act

Beyond the definition

To act decisively means to make a choice and then act on it with confidence, leaving little room for hesitation or uncertainty. Imagine a skilled chess player making a bold move—they don't waver; they decisively claim their space on the board. It is more than just making a decision; it is doing so in a way that feels final and impactful. A leader acting decisively doesn't ask, "What if?"—they state, "This is what will be." You might decisively reject an offer or decisively choose one path over another. The key is the strength and clarity of the action.

Examples

  1. 1

    Emergency response

    The manager acted decisively when the fire alarm went off.

  2. 2

    Clear answer

    She answered decisively, and the discussion ended there.

  3. 3

    Company response

    The company moved decisively to stop the data leak.

    • Patternmove decisively to do X

      take clear, quick action

  4. 4

    Sports result

    The team won decisively, 4-0.

More examples
  1. 5

    Election

    Voters decisively rejected the tax increase.

  2. 6

    Legal ruling

    The court ruled decisively in favor of the workers.

    • Patternrule in favor of + person/group

      officially decide to support them

See also

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Do not confuse

Used with (collocations)

  • act decisively
  • win decisively
  • move decisively

Word family

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Forms and spellings

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Main spelling

  • decisivelyadverb