decide

[dɪˈsaɪd]

decide Definition

  • 1to make a choice or come to a conclusion about something
  • 2to cause something to end in a particular way

Using decide: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "decide" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I can't decide which dress to wear.

  • Example

    We decided to go on vacation.

  • Example

    The judge will decide the case tomorrow.

  • Example

    She decided against quitting her job.

decide Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for decide

Antonyms for decide

Idioms Using decide

  • make up one's mind

    to decide on something

    Example

    I can't make up my mind whether to go to the party or stay home.

  • a decision has been made and cannot be changed

    Example

    Once we signed the contract, the die was cast and we couldn't back out.

  • put one's foot down

    to make a firm decision and refuse to change it

    Example

    I had to put my foot down and tell him that he couldn't borrow any more money.

Phrases with decide

  • to choose something after considering all the available options

    Example

    Have you decided on a name for the baby yet?

  • to choose not to do something after considering it

    Example

    He decided against buying the car because it was too expensive.

  • to allow someone else to make a decision

    Example

    I'll let you decide what we should have for dinner tonight.

Origins of decide

from Latin 'decidere', meaning 'to cut off'

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Summary: decide in Brief

To 'decide' [dɪˈsaɪd] is to make a choice or reach a conclusion, as in 'I can't decide which dress to wear.' It can also mean to cause something to end in a particular way, as in 'She decided against quitting her job.' 'Decide' is often used in phrases like 'decide on' and 'decide against,' and idioms like 'make up one's mind,' 'the die is cast,' and 'put one's foot down.'

How do native speakers use this expression?