Basic Details
Word: Decisively
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: In a way that shows you have made a decision clearly and firmly.
Synonyms: Firmly, conclusively, definitively
Antonyms: Indecisively, doubtfully, hesitantly
Idioms and Phrases
- Make up one's mind decisively: To make a final and clear decision without hesitation. Example: "After considering all options, she made up her mind decisively to go for the concert."
- Decisively different: Clearly different in a significant way. Example: "His approach to problem-solving is decisively different from his peers, making him stand out."
Usage Examples
Example 1: She acted decisively during the emergency, helping to save the child's life.
Example 2: He decided to invest in the project decisively, believing in its potential for success.
Example 3: The coach made a decisively strategic choice to change the teams formation during the match.
Fun Fact
The word "decisively" comes from the Latin word "decidere," which means "to cut off." This reflects the idea of cutting off uncertainty in decision-making, leading to a clear conclusion.
Famous Quote
"In a time of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The next best thing is the wrong thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing." - Theodore Roosevelt
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "decisively" mean?
a) In a hesitant way
b) In a clear and firm way
c) In a confused manner
d) In an uncertain way
Answer: b) In a clear and firm way
2. Which of these is a synonym of "decisively"?
a) Indecisively
b) Firmly
c) Hesitantly
d) Doubtfully
Answer: b) Firmly
3. Which is an antonym of "decisively"?
a) Clearly
b) Definitively
c) Indecisively
d) Conclusively
Answer: c) Indecisively
4. Which sentence uses "decisively" correctly?
a) He had to think about it decisively for hours.
b) She decided decisively that the team needed to train harder.
c) They walked decisively to the park without looking.
d) The cake was baked decisively in the oven.
Answer: b) She decided decisively that the team needed to train harder.
5. What does the idiom "make up one's mind decisively" mean?
a) To change ones mind frequently
b) To make a final and clear decision
c) To forget about making a decision
d) To avoid making a decision at all
Answer: b) To make a final and clear decision
