Etymology
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decisive (adj.)

1610s, "having the quality or power of determining," from Medieval Latin decisivus, from Latin decis-, past participle stem of decidere "to cut off; decide" (see decide). Meaning "marked by prompt determination" is from 1736. Compare decided. Related: Decisively; decisiveness.

Entries linking to decisive

decide (v.)

late 14c., "to settle a dispute, determine a controversy," from Old French decider, from Latin decidere "to decide, determine," literally "to cut off," from de "off" (see de-) + caedere "to cut" (from PIE root *kae-id- "to strike"). For Latin vowel change, see acquisition. Sense is of resolving difficulties "at a stroke." Meaning "to make up one's mind" is attested from 1830. Related: Decided; deciding.

decided (adj.)

"resolute, free from hesitation or wavering," 1790, past-participle adjective from decide. A decided victory is one the reality of which is not in doubt; a decisive one goes far toward settling some issue. Meaning "free from ambiguity or uncertainty" also is from 1790. Related: Decidedly.

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Definitions of decisive

decisive (adj.)
determining or having the power to determine an outcome;
two factors had a decisive influence
cast the decisive vote
decisive (adj.)
unmistakable;
had a decisive lead in the polls
decisive (adj.)
characterized by decision and firmness;
we needed decisive leadership
an able and decisive young woman
she gave him a decisive answer
decisive (adj.)
forming or having the nature of a turning point or crisis;
Synonyms: critical
From wordnet.princeton.edu

Dictionary entries near decisive

decimation

decimeter

decipher

decipherable

decision

decisive

decivilize

deck

decker

deck-hand

deckle

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