decision

[ dih-sizh-uhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of deciding; deciding; determination, as of a question or doubt, by making a judgment:

   They must make a decision between these two contestants.

2. the act of or need for making up one's mind:

   This is a difficult decision.

3. something that is decided; decided; resolution:

   She made a poor decision when she dropped out of school.

4. a judgment, as one formally pronounced by a court:

   It is the decision of this court that the appeal is granted.

   Synonyms: decree, finding, verdict, ruling

5. the quality of being decided; firmness:

   He spoke with decision and calm authority.

6. the final score in any sport or contest:

   The decision was 5 to 4 in favor of the home team.

7. Boxing. the awarding of a victory in a match not decided by a knockout or technical knockout, usually through a vote of the referee and judges.

verb (used with object)

1. Boxing. to win a victory over (one's opponent) by a point score rather than a knockout.

decision

/ dɪˈsɪʒən /

noun

1. a judgment, conclusion, or resolution reached or given; verdict
2. the act of making up one's mind
3. firmness of purpose or character; determination

Derived Forms

• deˈcisional, adjective

Other Words From

• de·cision·al adjective
• nonde·cision noun
• prede·cision noun
• rede·cision noun
• subde·cision noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of decision¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English decisioun, from Middle French, from Latin dēcīsiōn-, stem of dēcīsiō “a cutting off,” equivalent to dēcīs(us) (past participle of dēcīdere “to cut off”; decide ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of decision¹

C15: from Old French, from Latin dēcīsiō, literally: a cutting off; see decide

Example Sentences

Until that becomes clearer, individuals should be cautious about making rash purchasing decisions.

From Salon

In a preliminary decision, Ofwat said it would allow bill rises of 21% above inflation, which the shareholders did not accept.

From BBC

Both he and Cline acknowledged that many in the industry were uncomfortable with his decision.

From BBC

Luckily, Erivo is a gifted enough performer to transcend these mystifying decisions.

From Salon

“As Secretary of Education, Linda will fight tirelessly to expand ‘Choice’ to every State in America, and empower parents to make the best Education decisions for their families.

From Salon

Related Words

• accord
• agreement
• arrangement
• choice
• compromise
• determination
• finding
• judgment
• opinion
• outcome
• resolution
• result
• ruling
• selection
• settlement
• verdict