The word "decisive" is spelled with a "c" rather than an "s" despite its pronunciation sounding similar to words like "precise" and "concise". This is because the "c" is followed by the vowel "i", making it a "soft c" sound. The International Phonetic Alphabet transcription for this word is /dɪˈsaɪsɪv/, which breaks down to the individual sounds of each letter. Knowing the IPA can help learners get a better understanding of English spelling conventions and improve their pronunciation.
Decisive is an adjective that describes someone or something as having the ability to make decisions quickly and with confidence, or to have a significant impact on the outcome of a situation or event.
In terms of individuals, a decisive person is someone who possesses good judgment and makes decisions efficiently and definitively. They are able to analyze a situation, consider various options, and choose a course of action without hesitation. Their decision-making process is typically characterized by assertiveness and clarity.
In the context of events or situations, being decisive refers to the ability to have a profound effect on the final result or outcome. Whether it is an influential move in a game, a critical choice made during a negotiation, or a vital action taken in a crisis, a decisive action is one that carries substantial weight and is instrumental in determining the final course of events.
Being decisive can be a desirable trait in many aspects of life, as it allows individuals to take control, show leadership, and make progress. This quality can stem from a combination of confidence, experience, and strong communication skills. However, being overly decisive can also have drawbacks, especially if decisions are made hastily without sufficient consideration of all relevant factors.
Overall, the term decisive reflects the ability to make prompt, confident, and effectual decisions, which ultimately play a pivotal role in shaping outcomes, whether for individuals or the events themselves.
Final; conclusive; having the power to settle a contest or an event.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "decisive" originated from the Latin word "decisivus", which is derived from the verb "decidere". "Decidere" is a combination of the prefix "de-" (meaning "off" or "down") and the verb "caedere" (meaning "to cut" or "to kill"). Thus, the literal meaning of "decisive" in Latin is "to cut off" or "to kill off". Over time, the term acquired broader figurative connotations related to making firm decisions or settling matters.