decide

[ dih-sahyd ]

verb (used with object)

, de·cid·ed, de·cid·ing.

1. to solve or conclude (a question, controversy, or struggle) by giving victory to one side:

   The judge decided the case in favor of the plaintiff.

2. to determine or settle (something in dispute or doubt):

   to decide an argument.

3. to bring (a person) to a decision; persuade or convince:

   The new evidence decided him.

verb (used without object)

, de·cid·ed, de·cid·ing.

1. to settle something in dispute or doubt:

   The judge decided in favor of the plaintiff.

2. to make a judgment or determine a preference; come to a conclusion.

decide

/ dɪˈsaɪd /

verb

1. may take a clause or an infinitive as object; when intr, sometimes foll by on or about to reach a decision

   decide what you want

   he decided to go

2. tr to cause (a person) to reach a decision

   the weather decided me against going

3. tr to determine or settle (a contest or question)

   he decided his future plans

4. tr to influence decisively the outcome of (a contest or question)

   Borg's stamina decided the match

5. intr; foll by for or against to pronounce a formal verdict

Other Words From

• de·cider noun
• prede·cide verb (used with object) predecided predeciding
• rede·cide verb redecided redeciding

Word History and Origins

Origin of decide¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English deciden, from Middle French decider, from Latin dēcīdere, literally, “to cut off,” equivalent to dē- de- + -cīdere (combining form of caedere “to strike, cut down”; -cide ( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of decide¹

C14: from Old French decider, from Latin dēcīdere, literally: to cut off, from caedere to cut

Example Sentences

Ibarra had waived his right to a jury trial, which means his case was heard and decided by county Judge Haggard.

From BBC

He said he changed his mind and decided to complete the film after speaking to Hutchins' husband, Matt.

From BBC

The US has been criticised by humanitarian organisations for deciding to supply Ukraine with landmines, as the war in eastern Europe rages on.

From BBC

Her team decided to try low-dose sodium oxybate, after some patients told them their symptoms improved after a few alcoholic drinks.

From BBC

But the path of inflation going forward is unusually uncertain and Bank of England officials, who decide whether to raise or cut interest rates, are divided.

From BBC

Related Words

• agree
• choose
• conclude
• determine
• elect
• end
• establish
• resolve
• rule
• select
• set
• vote

When To Use

What are other ways to say decide?

To decide is to settle something in dispute or doubt. How is it different from resolve and determine? Find out on Thesaurus.com.