Definition of decide

< decibel

decided >

de·cide    (d-sd) KEY 

VERB:
de·cid·ed, de·cid·ing, de·cides
VERB:
tr.

1. 1. To settle conclusively all contention or uncertainty about: decide a case; decided the dispute in favor of the workers.
   2. To make up one's mind about: decide what to do.
2. To influence or determine the outcome of: A few votes decided the election.
3. To cause to make or reach a decision.

VERB:
intr.

1. To pronounce a judgment; announce a verdict.
2. To make up one's mind.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English deciden, from Old French decider, from Latin dcdere, to cut off, decide : d-, de- + caedere, to cut; see ka-id- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
de·cid·a·bili·ty(Noun), de·cida·ble(Adjective), de·cider(Noun)

SYNONYMS:
decide, determine, settle, rule, conclude, resolve

These verbs mean to come to a decision. Decide is the least specific: "If two laws conflict with each other, the courts must decide on the operation of each" (John Marshall). Determine often involves somewhat narrower issues: A jury will determine the verdict. Settle stresses finality of decision: "The lama waved a hand to show that the matter was finally settled in his mind" (Rudyard Kipling). Rule implies that the decision is handed down by someone in authority: The committee ruled that changes in the curriculum should be implemented. Conclude suggests that a decision, opinion, or judgment has been arrived at after careful consideration: She concluded that the criticism was unjust. Resolve stresses the exercise of choice in making a firm decision: I resolved to lose weight.