WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
de•ci•sive /dɪˈsaɪsɪv/USA pronunciation
adj.
de•ci•sive•ness, n. [uncountable]See -cise-.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025- having the power to decide:The decisive argument was the savings his plan would bring.
- displaying firmness;
resolute:a decisive manner. - unquestionable;
definite:a decisive lead of 30-0 by halftime.
de•ci•sive•ness, n. [uncountable]See -cise-.
de•ci•sive
(di sī′siv),USA pronunciation adj.
de•ci′sive•ly, adv.
de•ci′sive•ness, n.
- having the power or quality of deciding;
putting an end to controversy;
crucial or most important:Your argument was the decisive one. - characterized by or displaying no or little hesitation;
resolute;
determined:The general was known for his decisive manner. - indisputable;
definite:a decisive defeat. - unsurpassable;
commanding:a decisive lead in the voting.
- Medieval Latin dēcīsīvus, equivalent. to Latin dēcīs(us) (see decision) + -īvus -ive
- 1605–15
de•ci′sive•ness, n.
- 1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged conclusive, final.
- 2.See corresponding entry in Unabridged firm.
'decisively' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
Gordian
- Jena
- Marengo
- Waterloo
- blow
- blow away
- clinch
- clobber
- cream
- decide
- drub
- dust
- fatal
- fateful
- finally
- handbasket
- hose
- hosing
- massacre
- murder
- once
- overrun
- plaster
- rout
- slam dunk
- smear
- stonker
- strong
- swan dive
- trounce
- wax
- whomp
- whup
- wipe