decision
noun (countable)
UK/dɪˈsɪʒ.ən/US/dɪˈsɪʒ.ən/
A conclusion or resolution reached after consideration.
Example Sentences
After hours of discussion, they finally reached a decision on the new project.
Her decision to move abroad was influenced by her desire for new experiences.
The board made a unanimous decision to approve the merger.
He struggled to make a decision between accepting the job offer and pursuing further studies.
The committee's decision will affect the future direction of the organization.
She felt confident in her decision to invest in the startup, believing in its potential for growth.
The court's decision set a precedent for future cases involving intellectual property rights.
Despite the risks, his decision to start his own business paid off, leading to significant personal and financial rewards.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A final choice made after weighing information or options.This noun marks the end of a thought process or discussion, where one option is selected from a set. For instance, “She made the decision to move overseas,” indicating her conclusion after some reflection. In daily life, decisions shape small tasks (like picking dinner) and major life changes (like career shifts). In a business setting, a board might vote to finalize a corporate decision, or a manager may say, “The decision is final,” conveying no further debate. Pair it with context to specify who decides, why, and under what conditions (e.g., time constraints, budget considerations, or ethical values). Common verbs that pair with it include “make” (“He made his decision”), “reach” (“We reached a decision”), and “come to” (“They came to a decision”). Whether casual or formal, clarifying the reasoning or process—like consulting data, seeking counsel, or trusting intuition—helps others see the basis for the final outcome. In short, “decision” underscores the endpoint of a choice-making journey, reflecting both the chosen path and the steps that led there.
Alternatives
For alternatives or related terms, consider “choice,” “conclusion,” or “verdict,” each carrying slightly different shades of meaning. “Choice” often focuses on the act of selecting from multiple options. “Conclusion” highlights the end of a thought or argument, less about multiple options and more about logical closure. “Verdict” typically appears in legal or formal contexts, emphasizing a binding judgment. Meanwhile, “resolution” sometimes underscores a firm stance—especially when tackling problems or disputes—while “determination” adds a sense of personal resolve. If you need a simpler phrasing for casual speech, “final call” or “final say” can fit an everyday scenario, as in “Who has the final say?” or “It’s your final call.” Each variant adapts to the level of formality, number of options, and significance of the conclusion you want to convey. In professional documents or detailed discussions, choose the term that best fits your context—whether you’re explaining how an organization’s board arrives at a policy or how someone personally weighs pros and cons before deciding.
Writing
In written pieces—like essays, proposals, or reports—“decision” often pins down a pivotal moment. You might describe how a process culminates in a critical decision, or how data informed a board’s final determination. When analyzing decision-making, highlight what factors shaped it—financial constraints, moral considerations, stakeholder input, or personal feelings. Use concise sentence structures if you want to emphasize clarity—“Their decision is based on compelling evidence.” In narrative or creative work, you might reveal the emotional undertones—“She wrestled with her fears, then made a life-altering decision.” Avoid overusing “decision” by mixing synonyms like “final ruling,” “conclusion,” or “judgment” when appropriate. Additionally, context clues—like motive, consequence, or timeline—deepen a reader’s understanding of why and how the decision matters. Whether describing a character’s internal struggle or a multi-step corporate approval, specifying the logic or emotion behind a decision brings tension, weight, or realism to your text. If you’re persuading, ensure readers grasp the stakes and see why the ultimate resolution is justified or significant.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, you might say, “I can’t make a decision on dinner,” or “Have you reached a decision about the vacation?” People also use idiomatic expressions like “a tough decision” to highlight difficulty or stress. Friends may joke about “analysis paralysis” when you overthink something—“I’ve got analysis paralysis; I can’t decide what to watch tonight!” If repeating “decision” too often, swap it out with phrases like “pick,” “choice,” or “call”—“It’s your call.” When you want a quick, straightforward conclusion, you might say, “Let’s decide, once and for all,” or “No more waffling.” In casual setting, the word can address anything from trivial—like outfit choices—to more meaningful topics—like “the decision to quit a job.” The key difference is tone: less formality, more colloquial flow. If you’re summarizing a group’s consensus—“We made the decision to meet earlier next time”—make sure the group’s input is clear. Overall, in relaxed chats, “decision” focuses on personal or group choices without the heavier connotations of a formal or high-stakes resolution—unless context demands it.
Etymology
Originating from the Latin “decisio,” which means “a cutting off,” this noun shares roots with “decide.” Stemming from “decidere” (“to cut away” or “to settle”), it implies the act of slicing through ambiguity to settle on one path, leaving other options behind. Over time, “decision” evolved in Middle English to mark the final, separating point between multiple alternatives, signifying resolution. This background persists in modern use: a decision ‘cuts away’ uncertainty, definitively concluding the selection process. From everyday errands to legal rulings, the sense of defining a single direction by ‘trimming off’ alternatives has remained at the heart of the word’s meaning. Whether referencing life’s small daily picks or historical shifts of grand scope, “decision” resonates with the original concept of carefully severing alternatives to arrive at a single outcome.
