decisive

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Dictionary definition of decisive

Demonstrating the ability to make clear and prompt decisions, often leading to resolute actions or conclusive outcomes.
"The team captain's decisive actions led to a last-minute victory."

Detailed meaning of decisive

When a person or situation is described as decisive, it implies a capacity for making firm choices or judgments, even in challenging or uncertain circumstances. Decisiveness is often associated with a sense of determination and confidence, enabling individuals to navigate complex situations and bring about effective solutions. For instance, a decisive leader can make quick and well-informed choices to address problems or seize opportunities, while a decisive victory in a competition indicates an unquestionable and final win. "Decisive" underscores the importance of making timely and resolute decisions, with the expectation that they will lead to successful and definitive results.

Example sentences containing decisive

1. His decisive leadership in the crisis saved countless lives.
2. The CEO's decisive actions led to a remarkable turnaround.
3. A decisive moment in history altered the course of nations.
4. Her decisive resolution put an end to the prolonged conflict.
5. The team's decisive victory secured their place in the finals.
6. Decisive measures were implemented to address the urgent issue.

History and etymology of decisive

The adjective 'decisive' finds its etymological roots in the Latin word 'decidere,' which combines 'de' (meaning 'off' or 'down from') and 'cadere' (meaning 'to fall'). In its original Latin sense, 'decidere' referred to the act of cutting off or bringing something to a conclusion. This idea of reaching a definitive end is at the heart of the word's evolution. As 'decidere' transitioned into Old French and later into English, it took on the sense of demonstrating the ability to make clear and prompt decisions, often leading to resolute actions or conclusive outcomes. Thus, the etymology of 'decisive' reflects its historical association with making definitive choices that lead to determined and conclusive results, akin to bringing a matter to a decisive conclusion.

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Further usage examples of decisive

1. His swift and decisive response averted a potential disaster.
2. The referee's decisive call had a profound impact on the game.
3. The general's strategic and decisive maneuvers secured victory.
4. In a crisis, her decisiveness is a beacon of hope.
5. Decisive negotiations yielded a mutually beneficial agreement.
6. The judge's decisive ruling finally brought justice to the case.
7. The captain's decisive orders ensured the crew's safety.
8. A decisive leader fosters trust and loyalty within the team.
9. Decisive action is imperative to tackle this pressing issue.
10. The president's decisive policies shaped the nation's trajectory.
11. She made a decisive career choice that reshaped her life.
12. A single decisive vote determined the election's outcome.
13. In uncertain times, his unwavering decisiveness was reassuring.
14. Decisive moments define our individual and collective destinies.
15. The CEO's decisive leadership helped the company overcome a major crisis.
16. The judge made a decisive ruling that resolved the long-standing legal dispute.
17. The candidate's decisive debate performance helped them secure the nomination.
18. The scientist's decisive experiment confirmed their hypothesis and advanced their research.
19. The coach's decisive decision to make a substitution changed the course of the game.
20. The general's decisive strategy led to a successful military campaign.
21. The manager's decisive action prevented a potential workplace accident.
22. The investor made a decisive move by selling their stocks before the market crashed.
23. The surgeon's decisive skill in the operating room saved the patient's life.
24. The diplomat's decisive negotiations resulted in a historic peace agreement.
25. The teacher's decisive feedback helped the student improve their academic performance.