Decided

Part of Speech

Adjective / Verb (past tense of "decide")

Pronunciation

UK: /dɪˈsaɪ.dɪd/ | US: /dɪˈsaɪ.dɪd/

Definitions

• (Adjective) Clear, definite, and certain.
• (Verb - Past Tense) The past tense of "decide," meaning to have made a choice or conclusion.

Usage Examples

• (Adjective) There was a decided improvement in his performance.
• (Verb) She decided to accept the job offer.

Etymology

Derived from the verb "decide," which comes from Latin dēcīdere ("to cut off, determine"), from de- ("off") + caedere ("to cut").

Synonyms

• Definite
• Unquestionable
• Resolved
• Final

Antonyms

• Indecisive
• Unclear
• Ambiguous

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /dɪˈsaɪ.dɪd/
• American English: /dɪˈsaɪ.dɪd/
• Australian English: /dɪˈsaɪ.dɪd/

Historical Usage

The word "decided" has been in use since the 15th century, initially in legal and political contexts before gaining broader use.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, being "decided" is valued as a sign of confidence and leadership, whereas hesitation can be seen as weakness.

More Information

The word "decided" is commonly used in both everyday and formal contexts. As an adjective, it emphasizes certainty and clarity, such as in "a decided advantage." As the past tense of "decide," it refers to a completed decision-making process. In psychology, decision-making plays a crucial role in human behavior, affecting choices in everything from personal life to governance. Strong decision-making skills are often linked to success in leadership, business, and personal development.