decide

[dih-sahyd]

verb (used with object)

decided, deciding 

1. to solve or conclude (a question, controversy, or struggle) by giving victory to one side.

   The judge decided the case in favor of the plaintiff.

2. to determine or settle (something in dispute or doubt).

   to decide an argument.

3. to bring (a person) to a decision; persuade or convince.

   The new evidence decided him.

verb (used without object)

decided, deciding 

1. to settle something in dispute or doubt.

   The judge decided in favor of the plaintiff.

2. to make a judgment or determine a preference; come to a conclusion.

decide

/ dɪˈsaɪd /

verb

1. (may take a clause or an infinitive as object; when intr, sometimes foll by on or about) to reach a decision

   decide what you want

   he decided to go

2. (tr) to cause (a person) to reach a decision

   the weather decided me against going

3. (tr) to determine or settle (a contest or question)

   he decided his future plans

4. (tr) to influence decisively the outcome of (a contest or question)

   Borg's stamina decided the match

5. (intr; foll by for or against) to pronounce a formal verdict

Other Word Forms

• decider noun
• predecide verb (used with object)
• redecide verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of decide¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English deciden, from Middle French decider, from Latin dēcīdere, literally, “to cut off,” equivalent to dē- de- + -cīdere (combining form of caedere “to strike, cut down”; -cide ( def. ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of decide¹

C14: from Old French decider, from Latin dēcīdere, literally: to cut off, from caedere to cut

Example Sentences

Some supervisors said they would prefer to let a judge decide.

From Los Angeles Times

Teresa Ribera, executive vice president of the Commission, said in a statement on Friday the regulator had factored in previous findings of Google's anti-competitive conduct when deciding to levy a higher fine.

From BBC

But she eventually decided she needed freedom and space, so I scooped up my splintered heart and moved on.

From Los Angeles Times

The former vice president was often interrupted by protesters during campaign events and the uncommitted movement, a progressive protest campaign aimed at achieving a ceasefire, ultimately decided not to endorse her.

From Salon

The judge said on Friday the killer had "decided to concoct a lie and stage a scene".

From BBC

Related Words

• agree 
• choose 
• conclude 
• determine 
• elect 
• end 
• establish 
• resolve 
• rule 
• select 
• set 
• vote 

When To Use

What are other ways to say decide?

To decide is to settle something in dispute or doubt. How is it different from resolve and determine? Find out on Thesaurus.com.