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

"This decision ignores the market realities, and will only serve to protect incumbent marketplaces from competition."

From BBC

The decision comes as regulators are taking a firmer stance with big tech companies worldwide, with the US government considering a breakup of Google.

From BBC

To a sizable portion of members, the decision was an abomination, and it provoked a mutiny.

From Salon

Answering an urgent question on the issue in the House of Commons on Thursday, Pennycook defended the decision to keep the cap.

From BBC

With a Nations League promotion secured the year before and a major tournament to prepare for, the decision was taken to take on friendlies, generally, against top-ranked nations.

From BBC

Related Words

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