What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
defining
Example
The defining moment of her career was when she won the championship. [defining: adjective]
Example
His leadership skills were defining factors in the success of the project. [defining: noun]
decisive
Example
She was a decisive leader who always knew what to do in difficult situations. [decisive: adjective]
Example
The decisive goal in the final minutes secured their victory. [decisive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Decisive is more commonly used than defining in everyday language. Decisive is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while defining is more specific and often used in academic or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between defining and decisive?
While defining is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, decisive is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
