Decision Meaning, Examples and Usage Guide

Meaning 1：choice (decision)

decision 🔊

/dɪˈsɪʒ.ən/

A choice that you make about something after thinking about it.

Person at crossroads making a decision between two paths

choice 🔊

➕

/tʃɔɪs/

A conclusion or resolution reached after consideration, selecting one option among multiple possibilities.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'decidere' (de- 'off' + caedere 'to cut'), meaning to cut off other options.

💡 Mnemonic

De-cis-ion: 'De' as in 'determine', 'cis' as in 'cut' (like scissors), so you cut through options to pick one.

📖 Example

After the exam, his biggest decision was which university to attend. 🔊 Following the exam, the most significant choice he had to make was which university to enroll in.

🔗 Collocations

make a decision – To choose after deliberation

decision-making process – The steps involved in reaching a choice

final decision – The ultimate choice after all considerations

🔄 Synonyms

choice (n.) – An act of selecting between two or more possibilities

verdict (n.) – A formal judgment or decision, especially in a court

resolution (n.) – A firm decision to do or not to do something

🚫 Antonyms

indecision (n.) – Inability to make a choice

hesitation (n.) – A pause before acting or deciding

doubt (n.) – A feeling of uncertainty about a choice

🌱 Derivatives

decisive (adj.) – Settling an issue; producing a definite result

indecision (n.) – The state of being unable to decide

decisively (adv.) – In a manner that settles a matter conclusively

📖 Cultural Story

Rooted in Latin 'decidere', 'to cut off', reflecting the act of cutting away alternatives to settle on one. Used widely in law and business for final judgments.