decide Definition
- 1to make a choice or come to a conclusion about something
- 2to cause something to end in a particular way
Using decide: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "decide" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I can't decide which dress to wear.
Example
We decided to go on vacation.
Example
The judge will decide the case tomorrow.
Example
She decided against quitting her job.
decide Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using decide
make up one's mind
to decide on something
Example
I can't make up my mind whether to go to the party or stay home.
the die is cast
a decision has been made and cannot be changed
Example
Once we signed the contract, the die was cast and we couldn't back out.
put one's foot down
to make a firm decision and refuse to change it
Example
I had to put my foot down and tell him that he couldn't borrow any more money.
Phrases with decide
decide on
to choose something after considering all the available options
Example
Have you decided on a name for the baby yet?
decide against
to choose not to do something after considering it
Example
He decided against buying the car because it was too expensive.
let someone decide
to allow someone else to make a decision
Example
I'll let you decide what we should have for dinner tonight.
Origins of decide
from Latin 'decidere', meaning 'to cut off'
Summary: decide in Brief
To 'decide' [dɪˈsaɪd] is to make a choice or reach a conclusion, as in 'I can't decide which dress to wear.' It can also mean to cause something to end in a particular way, as in 'She decided against quitting her job.' 'Decide' is often used in phrases like 'decide on' and 'decide against,' and idioms like 'make up one's mind,' 'the die is cast,' and 'put one's foot down.'
