decision

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A choice you make after thinking about different possible options.

   Grammar: Usually takes the verb make: make a decision (not do a decision).

   Patterns

   • a decision about something
   • a decision to do something
   • make a decision on something

   We made the decision to move to a smaller house.

   It was a difficult decision, but she thought it was right.

   The doctors will announce their decision tomorrow.

2. 2nouncountableformal

   An official ruling or judgment made by a court, committee, or person in authority.

   Grammar: Often goes with reach, issue, or overturn: the judge's decision.

   Patterns

   • a decision by someone
   • overturn a decision

   The court's decision surprised many observers.

   The referee's decision to cancel the goal angered the fans.

   An appeal can be filed within thirty days of the decision.

3. 3noununcountableformalold-fashioned

   The ability to choose quickly and firmly without too much doubt.

   Grammar: A somewhat old-fashioned use: act with decision; the adjective decisive is more common now.

   Patterns

   • act with decision
   • speak with decision

   She spoke with decision, and the room fell silent.

   The captain's calm decision saved the ship.

   He lacked the decision to leave the job.

Word forms

Common combinations

make a decision

You need to make a decision by Friday.

reach a decision

The jury reached a decision after two days.

a snap decision

Don't make a snap decision about something this important.

a tough decision

Closing the shop was a tough decision for the family.

final decision

The final decision rests with the principal.

take a decision

The council will take a decision on the new road next month.

Synonyms and how they differ

choice

Choice emphasizes the options in front of you, while decision stresses the point at which you settle on one.

resolution

Resolution implies a firm commitment to act, as in a New Year's resolution, and is more formal.

verdict

Verdict is the formal decision of a jury or judge, not a personal choice.

ruling

Ruling is an official decision by someone in authority, usually about a rule or dispute.

Opposites

Word family

decide verb

to make up your mind about something

decisive adjective

able to make quick, firm choices, or settling a result

decisively adverb

in a firm, clear-cut way

indecision noun

inability to make up your mind

undecided adjective

not yet having made a choice

Commonly confused: decision or descent?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “decision”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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