What does decidedly mean?
'Decidedly' is an adverb meaning clearly, unmistakably, or beyond doubt. It is most commonly used to intensify an adjective, as in 'a decidedly awkward silence' or 'the weather turned decidedly colder', where it signals that the quality being described is obvious and undeniable rather than marginal. A second, less frequent use describes doing something with firmness and resolve, as in 'he shook his head decidedly'. The word derives from 'decide', which comes from the Latin decidere, 'to cut off' or 'to determine', so calling something decided is figuratively cutting off all uncertainty about it. In register, 'decidedly' leans formal or literary; it is common in journalism and criticism but less frequent in casual conversation, where 'definitely' tends to take its place. Its slightly evaluative flavour makes it a useful tool for writers who want to convey not just emphasis but quiet judgement — a decidedly second-rate film is one the speaker clearly thinks little of.
Unmistakably; without doubt or question.
"The room was decidedly warmer than the rest of the house."
Most often placed directly before an adjective or adverb it intensifies.
With firmness or resolve; in a decisive manner.
"She nodded decidedly and signed the form."
Despite ending in '-ly', 'decidedly' has nothing to do with making decisions — it simply means 'unmistakably', as in a 'decidedly odd' remark that no one could mistake for normal.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of decidedly
'Decidedly' comes from 'decide', which English borrowed in the late Middle Ages from French décider, itself from Latin decidere, meaning 'to cut off' or 'to settle', formed from de- ('off') and caedere ('to cut'). The adjective 'decided' appeared by the early 17th century in the sense of 'clear and unmistakable', and the adverb 'decidedly' followed shortly after. It shares this Latin root with 'decision', 'decisive', and even 'deciduous', which originally referred to leaves that are 'cut off' or fall away.
Related word forms
How decidedly is actually used
'Decidedly' is somewhat formal or literary in register and most often appears before adjectives to intensify them, especially when pointing out something notable or unexpected. In everyday speech, speakers more often reach for 'definitely' or 'really'. It can carry a slightly evaluative tone, subtly signalling the speaker's judgement of the thing described.
Easily confused with decidedly
'Decidedly' means clearly or unmistakably (emphasizing a fact), while 'decisively' means in a way that settles something or shows firm determination.