English

decision

gb/dɪsˈɪʒən/ us/dɪsˈɪʒən/
A2 English
~ 500
Senses
0 senses
Noun A2 entity
1

Final choice after thinking

A choice you make after thinking about different things you could do.

Usage pattern: make [a decision] about [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'decision' with 'choice'—a 'choice' is one option among many, while a 'decision' is the act or result of choosing.
Synonyms
choice (More general; can be any selection, not necessarily after deep thought.) | judgment (Often implies personal evaluation or opinion.)
Antonyms
indecision (The state of being unable to decide.)
Collocations
make a decision |tough decision |final decision |quick decision |difficult decision
Themes
daily life |business |emotions |core_vocabulary |work
Examples
  • After hours of discussion, they finally made a decision.
  • It was a difficult decision, but she knew it was the right one.
  • His decision to move abroad surprised everyone.
  • The committee will announce its decision tomorrow.
  • She regretted her decision almost immediately.
Learner examples
  • I made a decision to study English.
  • He made a decision to buy the car.
  • We have to make a decision today.
  • This is a big decision for our family.
Noun B1 entity
2

Formal ruling by authority

A formal choice or judgment made by someone in power, like a judge or government.

Usage pattern: announce [a decision] on [something]
Synonyms
ruling (Specifically used in legal or formal contexts.) | verdict (Usually refers to a jury's or judge's decision in court.)
Antonyms
overturning (The act of reversing an earlier decision.)
Collocations
court decision |government decision |official decision |policy decision
Themes
law |business |politics
Examples
  • The Supreme Court’s decision changed the law.
  • The manager’s decision to close the branch was unexpected.
  • We are still waiting for the council’s decision.
  • The decision will be published next week.
Learner examples
  • The court made a decision about the case.
  • The teacher made a decision about the trip.
  • The company gave its decision yesterday.
Noun B2 property
3

Quality of being decisive

The ability to choose something quickly and not change your mind.

Synonyms
decisiveness (Abstract noun form emphasizing quick and firm choice-making.)
Antonyms
indecision (Lack of ability to decide quickly.)
Collocations
act with decision |show decision
Themes
personality |emotions |core_vocabulary |work
Examples
  • She acted with great decision during the crisis.
  • Decision is essential for good leadership.
  • He showed decision in rejecting the offer.
Learner examples
  • She acted with decision in the meeting.
  • Good leaders have decision.
  • He spoke with decision about the plan.
Grammar
Dictionary form
decision
IPA
GB/dɪsˈɪʒən/
US/dɪsˈɪʒən/
Syllables & stress
de - cision (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cision)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: decision
  • Plural: decision, decisions
Word family
Forms
decisions noun
Core family
decide verb A2 decisive adjective B2
Related words
decisively adverb decisiveness noun
Negative and opposite forms
undecided adjective indecision noun indecisive adjective B2
Expressions

change one's decision

1
/t͡ʃˈeɪnd͡ʒ wˈʌnz dɪsˈɪʒən/
fixed phrase

Choose differently after deciding before

To decide something new after already deciding before.

Examples
  • She changed her decision and stayed home.
  • He changed his decision about selling the car.

make a decision

1
/mˈeɪk ə dɪsˈɪʒən/
fixed phrase

Choose after thinking carefully

To choose something after thinking about different possibilities.

Examples
  • I need to make a decision before Friday.
  • We made a decision to move to another city.

reach a decision

1
/ɹˈit͡ʃ ə dɪsˈɪʒən/
fixed phrase

Arrive at a final choice

To finally choose something after talking or thinking about it for some time.

Examples
  • The board reached a decision after three hours of debate.
  • Have you reached a decision yet?

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