Decide Meaning
Decide Definition & Usage
To make a choice or come to a conclusion after consideration.
Examples
- "I can't decide which movie to watch tonight."
- "She decided to study abroad for a year."
- "We decided on the red paint for the walls."
- "After much deliberation, they decided to accept the job offer."
- "I haven't decided whether I'll go to the party or stay home."
To reach a resolution or judgment on a matter, especially in a legal or formal context.
Examples
- "The judge decided in favor of the plaintiff."
- "The council will decide on the proposed legislation next week."
- "After the arbitration, they decided the contract would be void."
- "The board of directors will decide the company's future direction."
- "The committee decided to postpone the meeting until next month."
To settle or determine something with confidence or finality.
Examples
- "You need to decide once and for all where you're going to live."
- "She decided it was time to move on from her old job."
- "He finally decided on a career in medicine after years of indecision."
- "I think it's time we decided who should take the lead on this project."
- "They've decided to take a break from their relationship for now."
Cultural Context
The word 'decide' has its roots in the Latin word 'decidere,' meaning 'to cut off' or 'to separate.' It suggests making a choice by eliminating other possibilities. In modern usage, it appears frequently in everyday decision-making, from mundane choices (e.g., what to eat) to significant life decisions (e.g., career or marriage).
The Final Decision
Story
The Final Decision
It was a rainy Thursday afternoon when Clara stood at the crossroads of her life. The decision to move abroad had been looming over her for months. She had considered every angle, from career opportunities to the uncertainties of life in a new country. Her family, friends, and even her colleagues had shared their opinions, and yet, she couldn't decide. Each time she thought about it, another thought or doubt would surface, pulling her back into indecision. Her phone buzzed with a text from her best friend, Emily: 'Clara, are you still on the fence about moving? The decision is yours, but don't let fear hold you back. You’ve got this!' Clara smiled, remembering how Emily had supported her through so many of her past decisions. It wasn’t the first time Clara had been at a crossroads. In fact, her life had been shaped by decisions—some small, some life-changing. As a teenager, she had decided to take up music instead of sports, a choice that had eventually led to her becoming a well-respected composer. But this decision was different. This was about stepping away from her comfort zone, leaving behind the familiar streets of her hometown for a life in Paris. She had always dreamed of this moment, but now that it was here, it felt more daunting than ever. Clara took a deep breath, looking at the city she loved. She thought of her parents, who had always urged her to take risks, and of the opportunities she could seize abroad. 'I’ve decided,' she whispered to herself, smiling as a sense of peace washed over her. 'I’m going.' That evening, Clara called her parents to share the news. 'I’ve decided to move to Paris,' she said, her voice filled with certainty. Her parents were thrilled, supportive, and encouraging, just as she had hoped. She knew that, in the end, her decision was hers alone, but it felt good to know they stood behind her. In the weeks that followed, Clara made the necessary preparations. The paperwork, the farewell parties, the logistics—they all fell into place as she decided on a date for her departure. The more she settled her plans, the more excited she became. She had decided, and now, there was no turning back. When the day came for Clara to leave, she stood at the airport, ready to board the flight. She realized that, sometimes, the hardest part isn’t making the decision itself—it’s having the courage to act on it.
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