decisive Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective determining or having the power to determine an outcome
    • cast the decisive vote
    • two factors had a decisive influence
  2. adjective satellite unmistakable
    • had a decisive lead in the polls
  3. adjective characterized by decision and firmness
    • an able and decisive young woman
    • we needed decisive leadership
    • she gave him a decisive answer
  4. adjective satellite forming or having the nature of a turning point or crisis
    critical.
    • a critical point in the campaign
    • the critical test

WordNet

De*ci*sive adjective
Etymology
Cf. F. décisif. See Decision.
Definitions
  1. Having the power or quality of deciding a question or controversy; putting an end to contest or controversy; final; conclusive. "A decisive, irrevocable doom." Bates. "Decisive campaign." Macaulay. "Decisive proof." Hallam.
  2. Marked by promptness and decision.
    A noble instance of this attribute of the decisive character. J. Foster.
    Syn. -- Decided; positive; conclusive. See Decided. -- De*ci"sive*ly, adv. -- De*ci"sive*ness, n.

Webster 1913