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DECISIVE
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I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Forming or having the nature of a turning point or crisis
Example:
the critical test
Synonyms:
critical; decisive
Classified under:
Similar:
crucial; important (of extreme importance; vital to the resolution of a crisis)
Derivation:
decisiveness (the quality of being final or definitely settled)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Determining or having the power to determine an outcome
Example:
two factors had a decisive influence
Classified under:
Similar:
deciding; determinant; determinative; determining (having the power or quality of deciding)
fatal; fateful (having momentous consequences; of decisive importance)
peremptory (putting an end to all debate or action)
Also:
conclusive (forming an end or termination; especially putting an end to doubt or question)
crucial; important (of extreme importance; vital to the resolution of a crisis)
Antonym:
indecisive (not definitely settling something)
Derivation:
decide (influence or determine)
decisiveness (the quality of being final or definitely settled)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Characterized by decision and firmness
Example:
she gave him a decisive answer
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
resolute; unhesitating (characterized by quickness and firmness)
Also:
resolute (firm in purpose or belief; characterized by firmness and determination)
Antonym:
indecisive (characterized by lack of decision and firmness)
Derivation:
decide (reach, make, or come to a decision about something)
decide (bring to an end; settle conclusively)
decisiveness (the trait of resoluteness as evidenced by firmness of character or purpose)
Sense 4
Meaning:
Unmistakable
Example:
had a decisive lead in the polls
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
definite (precise; explicit and clearly defined)
Derivation:
decisiveness (the quality of being final or definitely settled)
Context examples:
I recognised his decisive nose, more remarkable for character than beauty; his full nostrils, denoting, I thought, choler; his grim mouth, chin, and jaw—yes, all three were very grim, and no mistake.
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
I have frequently endeavoured to find decisive corroboration of those suspicions, but without effect.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
“This giant leap is a decisive move for our exploration of space and the conquering of the universe,” Wu Weiren said.
(Chinese Rover Making Tracks on Dark Side of the Moon, VOA)
He was firmly planted on his legs; his feet struck the deck squarely and with surety; every movement of a muscle, from the heave of the shoulders to the tightening of the lips about the cigar, was decisive, and seemed to come out of a strength that was excessive and overwhelming.
(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)
When the ladies returned to the drawing-room, there was little to be done but to hear Lady Catherine talk, which she did without any intermission till coffee came in, delivering her opinion on every subject in so decisive a manner, as proved that she was not used to have her judgement controverted.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
Her companion's discourse now sunk from its hitherto animated pitch to nothing more than a short decisive sentence of praise or condemnation on the face of every woman they met; and Catherine, after listening and agreeing as long as she could, with all the civility and deference of the youthful female mind, fearful of hazarding an opinion of its own in opposition to that of a self-assured man, especially where the beauty of her own sex is concerned, ventured at length to vary the subject by a question which had been long uppermost in her thoughts; it was, Have you ever read Udolpho, Mr. Thorpe?
(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)
If you need a new roommate, interview candidates at the very top of the month, and be decisive.
(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)
That would be so very painful a conclusion of their present acquaintance! and yet, she could not help rather anticipating something decisive.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
Had she doubted his meaning while she listened, the glow in his face, when she looked up at him, would have been decisive.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
"I think not; and if I were, it does not much signify; I shall never be called upon to contend for such another. The event of the conflict is decisive: my way is now clear; I thank God for it!"
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
