What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
critical
Example
It's critical that we make a decision soon, or we risk losing the deal. [critical: adjective]
Example
She has a critical mind and always evaluates situations objectively. [critical: adjective]
Example
The critical moment in the game was when the team scored the winning goal. [critical: adjective]
decisive
Example
He is a decisive leader who can make tough decisions quickly. [decisive: adjective]
Example
We need to take decisive action to resolve this issue. [decisive: adjective]
Example
The decisive factor in the election was the candidate's stance on healthcare. [decisive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Decisive is more commonly used than critical in everyday language. Decisive is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while critical is more specialized and often used in formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between critical and decisive?
Critical is typically associated with a formal tone and is commonly used in academic writing or business reports. Decisive, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
