Dictionary monolingual
English

Decide

dəˈsaɪd
Extremely common
400 - 500
400 - 500
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Decide -

To make a choice or come to a decision after considering various options

Example: After much thought, she decided to accept the job offer.
Usage: formalContext: professional settings, academic discussions
Note: This is the most common meaning of 'decide' and is used in various formal contexts.

To determine or settle something conclusively

Example: The judge will decide the outcome of the case tomorrow.
Usage: formalContext: legal proceedings, official decisions
Note: This meaning is often used in legal or authoritative contexts to indicate a final decision or judgment.

To cause a specific outcome or result

Example: Your actions will decide the success of this project.
Usage: formal/informalContext: business, personal goals
Note: This meaning implies that one's choices or actions will directly influence the outcome.

Decide's synonyms

choose

To choose means to select from a number of possibilities. It implies making a decision after considering different options.
Example: I couldn't decide between the blue or red dress, so I chose the black one instead.
Note: Choosing often involves selecting one option from multiple available choices, while deciding can involve making a judgment or reaching a conclusion.

determine

To determine means to come to a decision or settle a question after consideration.
Example: After much deliberation, we finally determined the best course of action.
Note: Determining often involves reaching a conclusion based on analysis or investigation, while deciding can be a more general term for making up one's mind.

resolve

To resolve means to find a solution to a problem or dispute.
Example: We need to resolve this issue before it escalates further.
Note: Resolving often implies finding a solution to a specific issue or conflict, while deciding can refer to making a choice or reaching a conclusion in a broader sense.

opt

To opt means to make a choice or decision from a range of possibilities.
Example: I think I'll opt for the vegetarian option at the restaurant.
Note: Opting often involves selecting a preference or choice from available options, while deciding can encompass a wider range of decision-making processes.

Decide expressions, common phrases

Make up one's mind

To make a decision after considering options or possibilities.
Example: After much deliberation, she finally made up her mind to accept the job offer.
Note: This idiom emphasizes the act of finalizing a decision after a period of contemplation.

On the fence

To be undecided or unsure about a decision.
Example: I'm still on the fence about whether to go on the trip or not.
Note: This phrase conveys a state of indecision or neutrality rather than actively making a decision.

Weigh the pros and cons

To consider the advantages and disadvantages of a decision before making it.
Example: Before buying a new car, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of different models.
Note: This phrase involves a systematic evaluation of the positive and negative aspects of a decision.

At a crossroads

In a position where a decision or a choice needs to be made.
Example: After college, she found herself at a crossroads, unsure of which career path to choose.
Note: This idiom implies a critical juncture where a decision will significantly impact future directions.

Call the shots

To make the decisions and give orders.
Example: As the team captain, she gets to call the shots during the game.
Note: This phrase emphasizes not just making a decision but also having authority and control over the situation.

Take the plunge

To make a decision to do something important or risky.
Example: After much thought, he decided to take the plunge and start his own business.
Note: This idiom implies a bold and decisive action, often involving a significant commitment or risk.

Come to a decision

To reach or make a decision after consideration or deliberation.
Example: After hours of discussion, the committee finally came to a decision about the budget.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the process of reaching a conclusion after discussion or thought.

Stick to one's guns

To refuse to change one's mind or position despite criticism or opposition.
Example: Despite opposition, she stuck to her guns and refused to compromise on her principles.
Note: This idiom highlights the determination to maintain a decision or stance even when faced with resistance.

Decide everyday (slang) expressions

Make a choice

This slang term means to decide between options or alternatives.
Example: I need to make a choice between the two job offers.
Note: Similar to 'decide,' but may imply a simpler decision-making process.

Settle on

To choose or decide on something after considering various options.
Example: Have you settled on which restaurant to go to tonight?
Note: Implies a final decision after some contemplation or discussion.

Lock in

To decide and confirm a particular plan or course of action.
Example: Let's lock in our plans for the weekend before things get too busy.
Note: Conveys decisiveness and commitment to a specific decision or arrangement.

Nail down

To determine or finalize something, especially after considering all aspects.
Example: We need to nail down the details before we can move forward.
Note: Suggests a thorough and definitive decision-making process.

Opt for

To choose or decide in favor of a particular option or choice.
Example: I think I'll opt for the healthier option on the menu today.
Note: Emphasizes choosing one option over others, often implying a preference.

Conclude on

To reach a decision or agreement about something after considering different perspectives or options.
Example: After much discussion, we were able to conclude on a solution.
Note: Implies reaching a decision through a process of deliberation or negotiation.

Opt to go with

To choose or select a specific option or alternative.
Example: I've decided to opt to go with the more affordable option for now.
Note: Emphasizes making a deliberate choice and often implies selecting from multiple options.

Decide - Examples

I need to decide what to wear to the party.
They decided to go on a road trip instead of flying.
She couldn't decide which flavor of ice cream to choose.

Decide grammar

Decide - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: decide
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): decided
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): deciding
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): decides
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): decide
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): decide
Syllables, Separation and Stress
decide Contains 2 syllables: de • cide
Phonetic transcription: di-ˈsīd
de cide , di ˈsīd (The red syllable is stressed)

Decide - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
decide: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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