decide
UK /dɪˈsaɪd/ US /dɪˈsaɪd/ Syllables: de-cide
Quick answer
To choose one option after thinking about two or more possibilities.
To decide is to make up your mind after thinking about two or more choices. You can decide something small, like what to eat, or something big, like where to live. A decision ends the doubt: once you have decided, you stop weighing the options and choose one. The word also fits judges and referees, who decide who wins.
"It took her a week to decide which university to attend."Meanings
- To make up your mind about something.
- To settle a question or a result.
Example sentences
-
"I decided to study English every day."
Level A2, Meaning 1
-
"We cannot decide where to go on holiday."
Level A2, Meaning 1
-
"The judge will decide the case next week."
Level B1, Meaning 2
-
"She decided that it was time to leave."
Level A2, Meaning 1
Synonyms and antonyms
Look-alikes and common mistakes
- choose : Choose means to pick one thing from a group. Decide means to settle a question, which may or may not mean picking from a list.
Word family and forms
Forms: decides, decided, deciding
Word partners
Words and phrases that often go with "decide".
- decide to go
- decide between
- decide on a plan
- make up my mind
- decide quickly
- decide who wins
Origin
Decide comes through Old French from Latin decidere, which meant to cut off. To decide is to cut off the doubt, choose one path and leave the others.
Checked against: Wiktionary, the free dictionary, Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Dictionary.com.
Usage notes
"Decide" is usually followed by "on" when naming the choice itself, as in "decide on a name", or by "to" plus a verb, as in "decide to leave".
How to remember it
To decide is to cut off the other choices. Picture a pair of scissors snipping away the options you do not take.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "I _____ to study English every day."
Answer: decide
In your own words, what does "decide" mean?
To choose one option after thinking about two or more possibilities.
Learn next at A2
- decimal A number written with a dot that separates whole numbers from smaller...
- decision A choice or judgment made after considering the options.
- declaration A formal or official statement.
- declare To announce something clearly and officially.
- decoration Something added to an object or place to make it more attractive.
- decoy Something used to lure a person or animal into a trap by imitating the...
Sources and credits
- Wiktionary, the free dictionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) · used for the origin, pronunciation · checked Oct 19, 2026
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary · used for the origin · checked Oct 19, 2026
- Dictionary.com · used for the origin · checked Oct 19, 2026
Last reviewed October 19, 2026. Report a mistake on this page