English Profile

decide · verb

/dɪˈsɑɪd/Full view

Word family

Nouns: decision, indecision

Adjectives: decided, undecided, decisive, indecisive

Verbs: decide

Adverbs: decidedly, decisively

decide (CHOOSE)

A2 I or T to choose something after thinking about several possibilities

Dictionary examples:

They have to decide by next Friday.

I don't care which one we have - you decide.

In the end, we decided to go to the theater.

She decided (that) she would retire to Florida.

I can't decide what to do.

He can't decide whether to buy it.

Learner example:

I have decided to paint my room orange. (Key English Test; A2; Tamil)

decide (RESULT)

C2 T to cause something to have a particular result

Dictionary example:

This match will decide the tournament.

Learner example:

At any rate, science will decide whether it is better to live longer. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Italian)

deciding factor

C2 something important that helps to make the final decision

Dictionary example:

Cost was the deciding factor in choosing this builder.

Learner example:

Personally, I think the quality of teachers, school reputation and facilities should be the deciding factor[s] for parents [i]n which schools their children should be educated in. (International English Language Testing System; C2; Malay)