decision
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
a choice or judgement made after considering different possibilities
the act of making such a choice; a conclusion or resolution reached; firmness and determination in action
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can refer both to the process of choosing and the result. Implies a degree of finality and commitment. Often involves a binary outcome (e.g., yes/no, go/stay).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling difference in derived forms (e.g., decider [BrE] vs. decision-maker [AmE more common]). 'Take a decision' is more common in BrE; 'make a decision' is universal but slightly preferred in AmE.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in AmE contexts; BrE may use it more readily in everyday managerial contexts.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
make/take a decision on sthdecision to + infinitivedecision that + clausedecision about/regarding/concerning sthreach/come to a decisionVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a done deal”
- “to make up one's mind”
- “to cross the Rubicon”
- “the die is cast”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Crucial for strategy, investment, and hiring (e.g., 'The board will ratify the investment decision').
Academic
Used in logic, game theory, and psychology (e.g., 'The study analysed decision-making under risk').
Everyday
Common for plans and life choices (e.g., 'We haven't made a decision about the holiday yet').
Technical
In computing: a point in an algorithm where branching occurs; in law: a court's judgement.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The panel will decide later today.
- We must decide on a venue.
American English
- The judge decided the case in our favor.
- Have you decided where to eat?
adverb
British English
- He acted decisively to resolve the issue.
- The manager spoke decisively.
American English
- She moved decisively to cut costs.
- The president responded decisively.
adjective
British English
- She was very decisive in the meeting.
- The decisive goal came in the 89th minute.
American English
- A decisive victory.
- We need a decisive leader.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My decision is to go home now.
- It's your decision.
- I made the decision to study English.
- That was a good decision.
- After much deliberation, we reached a final decision.
- The committee's decision will be announced tomorrow.
- The court's landmark decision set a new legal precedent.
- His indecisiveness contrasts sharply with her incisive decision-making.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DE + CISION sounds like 'the vision' – you need vision to make a good decision.
Conceptual Metaphor
DECISION IS A JOURNEY (reach a decision, a path forward); DECISION IS A CUT (decisive, to cut through the options).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of Russian 'решение задачи' as 'decision of a problem'. Use 'solution to a problem'.
- Do not confuse with 'решение' as in 'computer program'. That is 'software' or 'application'.
- 'Принимать решение' is 'to make/take a decision', not 'to accept a decision'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I did a decision.' Correct: 'I made/took a decision.'
- Incorrect: 'decision of moving house.' Correct: 'decision to move house.' or 'decision about moving house.'
Practice
Quiz
Which collocation is INCORRECT?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Make a decision' is more common globally. 'Take a decision' is more frequent in British English, especially in formal/business contexts.
'Choice' often implies having multiple specific options from which to select. 'Decision' emphasizes the process of consideration and the act of concluding; it can be more final and weighty. A choice can be a simple preference, while a decision often implies commitment.
The main adjective is 'decisive' (meaning 'able to make decisions quickly and effectively', or 'settling an issue'). The verb is 'decide'. Note: 'decisional' is rarely used.
Primarily countable (e.g., 'several decisions'). The uncountable use refers to the quality of being decisive (e.g., 'He acted with decision'), but this is now quite formal and less common.
Collections
Part of a collection
Leadership and Management
B2 · 46 words · Language for leading teams and managing organizations.