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decide

de·cide

decide

 
 
pronunciation:
dih saId
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word History, Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns, Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: decides, deciding, decided
definition 1: to arrive at a conclusion about or a settlement of; determine.
Have you decided what to do about that problem with your boss?[verb + WH/whether + infinitive ] I have a cold, and I can't decide whether I should stay home or go to work.[verb + WH/whether/if + clause ] We asked a trusted mutual friend to decide our dispute.It's up to the judges to decide the winner of the contest.
synonyms:
conclude, determine, negotiate, resolve, settle, solve
similar words:
arbitrate, choose, complete, finish, seal, umpire
definition 2: to bring to a conclusive end.
Historians disagree as to what actually decided the war.
synonyms:
conclude
similar words:
resolve
definition 3: to choose after considering various options.
They decided to hire the first person they interviewed.[verb + infinitive ] After a lot of thought, he decided to join the Navy.[verb + infinitive ] In the end, she decided not to accept the job.[verb + infinitive ]
similar words:
choose, determine, resolve
definition 4: to cause (someone) to choose a particular option.
What decided you on changing your major?This last furious argument with his father decided him to leave home for good.[verb + smby/smth + infinitive ]
synonyms:
determine, resolve
definition 5: to conclude after considering various factors and possibilities.
She decided that an outdoor wedding in April was too risky.[verb + (that) + clause ]
synonyms:
conclude
similar words:
determine, judge, reckon
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to make a choice in one's mind or in agreement with others.
Taking that job would be good in some ways, but I haven't decided about it yet.I've been looking at the menu, but I just can't decide.Have you decided on a place for your honeymoon yet?I'm trying to decide between getting a new car or a used one.He decided against getting a dog because he realized he would be traveling too much.The committee decided in favor of the proposed regulation.
synonyms:
choose, determine, resolve
similar words:
consider, deem, intend, pick, ponder, settle, will
definition 2: to resolve a conflict or dispute.
The judge will decide.
synonyms:
arbitrate, judge, settle
similar words:
find, intercede, interpose, intervene, mediate, negotiate, referee, umpire
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivation: decider (n.)
Word History
Decide is from a Latin word that means "to cut off" or "to end."
Word Explorer
See
  legislature, mind
Word PartsSubscriber feature About this feature