Decide

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /dɪˈsaɪd/

Definitions

1. To make a choice or reach a conclusion after considering different options or possibilities
2. To reach a conclusion or make a choice after evaluating various alternatives or possibilities
3. To come to a resolution or select an option after examining different factors or choices

Etymology: To decide is to cut off the alternatives. The English verb descends from Latin "dēcīdere," built from "dē," meaning "down from," and "caedere," meaning "to cut." A Latin speaker who decided something was, in the literal sense, cutting away the other possibilities, leaving only one path standing. The sense of settling a question by choosing came out of that image of severance. The word reached English through Middle English "deciden," which borrowed it from Old French "decider." Its meaning stayed close to the Latin for a while, and "decide" could still mean to bring a dispute to an end or to determine an outcome, not just to make up one's own mind. The word "decide" shares its Latin root with a surprising family of English words that all involve cutting or separating. "Incision," "scissors," and "homicide" all trace back to "caedere" as well, though through different routes into English. Their shared meaning of cutting is still visible in each one.

Synonyms: determine, resolve, conclude, settle, choose

Antonyms: hesitate, waver, dither