A1verb1K

Decide

UK /["/dɪˈsaɪd/","/dɪˈsaɪdz/","/dɪˈsaɪdɪd/","/dɪˈsaɪdɪŋ/"]/US /["/dɪˈsaɪd/","/dɪˈsaɪdz/","/dɪˈsaɪdɪd/","/dɪˈsaɪdɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to think carefully about the different possibilities that are available and choose one of them

In simple words: To choose something after thinking about it.

Examples

  • I need to decide what to eat for dinner.
  • Can you decide between the red dress and the blue one?
  • It's hard to decide when there are so many options.
  • The committee will decide the winner of the contest next week.
  • She has to decide if she wants to go to the party or stay home.

Usage notes

Use 'decide' in everyday conversation when you're talking about choices. It's neutral, so it's suitable for any context, but not ideal for very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

decide + object

Memory hint

Think of 'decide' as 'de-cide' — you're cutting through options to make a choice.

Collocations

  • eventually
  • finally
  • ultimately
  • be able to
  • be unable to
  • cannot
  • against
  • between
  • in favour/​favor of
  • decide for yourself
  • the task of deciding something
  • to be decided
  • eventually
  • finally
  • ultimately
  • be able to
  • be unable to
  • cannot
  • against
  • between
  • in favour/​favor of
  • decide for yourself
  • the task of deciding something
  • to be decided

Synonyms

  • choose
  • determine
  • settle
  • resolve
  • conclude

Antonyms

  • hesitate
  • waver
  • vacillate

Common mistakes

  • Using 'decide' without an object (e.g., 'I decide.' should be 'I decide to go.').
  • Confusing 'decide' with 'deciding' when discussing ongoing choices.
  • Saying 'decide for' instead of 'decide on' for choices.