decide

[dɪˈsaɪd]

decide Definition

• 1. to make a choice or come to a conclusion about something
• 2. to 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

• determine
• settle
• resolve
• opt
• conclude

Antonyms for decide

• waver
• doubt
• hesitate

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.

• the die is cast

  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

• decide on

  to choose something after considering all the available options

  Example

  Have you decided on a name for the baby yet?

• decide against

  to choose not to do something after considering it

  Example

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

• let someone decide

  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.'