decisive
AdjectiveUS[dih-sahy-siv]/dɪˈsaɪsɪv/3 syllables
Synonyms:
critical
Open English WordNet
Adjective (4)
- determining or having the power to determine an outcome“cast the decisive vote”“two factors had a decisive influence”Opposite indecisiveSimilar fateful, deciding, peremptorySee also conclusive, crucial, resolute
- unmistakable“had a decisive lead in the polls”Opposite indefiniteSimilar definite
- characterized by decision and firmness“an able and decisive young woman”“we needed decisive leadership”“she gave him a decisive answer”Opposite indecisiveSimilar unhesitating, resoluteSee also resolute
- forming or having the nature of a turning point or crisis“a critical point in the campaign”“the critical test”Synonyms: criticalOpposite noncrucialSimilar crucial, important
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
De·ci·sive adjective
Origin: Cf. F. décisif. See Decision.
1. Having the power or quality of deciding a question or controversy; putting an end to contest or controversy; final; conclusive. “A decisive, irrevocable doom.” Bates. William “Decisive campaign.” Thomas Babington Macaulay “Decisive proof.” Henry Hallam
2. Marked by promptness and decision.
A noble instance of this attribute of the decisive character.— John Foster
Synonyms: Decided; positive; conclusive. See Decided.
— De·ci′wb-a1′>′sive·ly, adverb — De·ci′wb-a1′>′sive·ness, noun
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54