What does decide mean?
Decide is one of the most fundamental verbs in English, meaning to reach a resolution after deliberation — to settle on one option among several, or to bring an open question to a definitive close. It appears constantly in everyday speech ('I've decided to take the job') as well as in formal contexts: judges decide cases, referees decide matches, and voters decide elections. The verb typically takes an infinitive, a noun phrase with 'on', or a that-clause as its complement. Its connotations are largely neutral, though deciding carries an implicit weight of finality — once something is decided, it is settled. The word derives from Latin decidere, meaning literally 'to cut off', a vivid metaphor suggesting that every choice severs the alternatives. Its rich family of derivatives — decision, decisive, decidedly — makes it central to how English talks about judgment, determination, and consequence.
verbTo reach a resolution or make a choice after consideration; to settle or determine an outcome or issue conclusively.
- To make a choice or reach a conclusion after consideration.
- To officially resolve or settle an issue, dispute, or contest (e.g. a judge decides a case).
- To have a decisive influence on an outcome.
"After weeks of deliberation, the committee finally decided to approve the proposal."
"She couldn't decide which dress to wear to the wedding."
"A late goal decided the match in the final minute."
The word decide comes from Latin decidere, literally 'to cut off' — every decision you make is, etymologically, cutting away all other possibilities.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of decide
Decide entered English in the late Middle English period, borrowed from Old French decider, which itself came from Latin decidere, meaning 'to cut off' or 'to determine', formed from de- ('off') and caedere ('to cut'). The underlying metaphor is striking: to decide is to cut away the remaining options until only one stands. Cognates sharing this root include precise, concise, incise, and scissors-related terms derived from caedere.
Related word forms
How decide is actually used
Commonly followed by an infinitive ('decided to leave'), a preposition ('decided on a name'), or a that-clause ('decided that it was time'). In formal legal contexts, 'decide' implies authoritative settlement of a matter.
Easily confused with decide
While both mean to settle an outcome, 'decide' emphasises making a choice between options, whereas 'determine' can also mean to ascertain a fact or fix something precisely.