Decision Meaning
Decision Definition & Usage
The act or process of making a choice or judgment about something.
Examples
- "After hours of debate, the board reached a decision on the new policy."
- "The decision to move forward with the project was a difficult one."
- "I need more time to think before I make my final decision."
- "She made a snap decision to leave the party early."
- "The decision was made after careful consideration of all the options."
A formal ruling or judgment, typically made by a court or other authoritative body.
Examples
- "The court's decision was in favor of the defendant."
- "The decision on the merger will be announced next week."
- "They are awaiting the judge's decision on the case."
- "The decision of the arbitrator was final and binding."
- "The company's decision to withdraw from the market was unexpected."
A mental process that involves selecting a course of action from multiple alternatives.
Examples
- "The psychologist studied how people make decisions under stress."
- "Decision-making can be influenced by emotional factors."
- "His decision was guided more by instinct than by logical reasoning."
- "She often struggles with decision fatigue after a long day at work."
- "The ability to make sound decisions is critical in leadership roles."
Cultural Context
The word 'decision' comes from the Latin 'decidere', meaning 'to cut off' or 'to separate'. In essence, it refers to the act of cutting off other possibilities in order to choose one course of action.
The Decider's Dilemma
Story
The Decider's Dilemma
In the small town of Windfield, Olivia was known for making tough decisions. As the head of the local library board, she had to weigh in on everything from budget allocations to hiring staff. One day, the board was faced with a particularly difficult decision. The library's funding was being slashed, and they had to choose between keeping a popular children's program running or maintaining the library’s hours. Olivia sat in her office, contemplating the options. She stared at the papers spread out before her. Her mind raced with the implications of each choice. If they kept the children's program, it would serve the community's youth but put the library’s hours at risk. On the other hand, cutting the program would save money but disappoint many parents. Olivia's decision wasn't just about dollars and cents; it was about what was best for the community. Her assistant, David, entered the room. 'Have you made a decision yet?' he asked, his voice tinged with concern. 'It's a tough one. I’m leaning towards maintaining the hours, but it's not an easy call.' 'What do you think the community would prefer?' David asked. Olivia paused. The pressure to make the right decision weighed heavily on her. 'Whatever we choose,' Olivia thought, 'this decision will affect people’s lives.' Later that evening, Olivia made her final decision. She announced the decision at the board meeting, opting to cut the children's program in order to preserve the library’s hours. It wasn't the decision she had hoped to make, but it was the one she believed was necessary for the long-term health of the library. The decision was met with mixed reactions. Some people were disappointed, but others praised her for her clarity and resolve. As Olivia left the meeting, she realized that every decision she made had consequences, but at least she had made it with the community's best interest at heart.
Related Words
