decide - Dictionary definition and pronunciation

de·cide

-s

) KEY

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

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.
To influence or determine the outcome of: A few votes decided the election.
To cause to make or reach a decision.

VERB:
intr.

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

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.

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