What is decide? Pronunciation and usage in English

decide means . Learn how to pronounce and use decide through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of decide

decideverb

/dɪˈsʌɪd/
Definition & pronunciation of decide

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "decide" in English. Here's a breakdown and some tips:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • di-SAY-dih

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • di: Like the "dee" in "did"
  • SAY: As in "say" - the most important syllable, emphasizing it.
  • dih: Like the "dee" in "dinner" - a very short, quick sound.

Here's a more detailed breakdown with phonetic symbols (for those who like them):

[daɪˈsaɪd]

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The emphasis is on the second syllable ("SAY"). This is the most common mistake.
  • Vowel Sound: The "i" in "say" is a short "i" sound, like in "bit" or "sit." Don't say "sigh".
  • Don’t over-pronounce the “d”: The “d” at the beginning is very soft and almost blends into the “di” sound.

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Usage and examples with the word decide in English

Let's break down how to use the word "decide" in English. It's a very common and versatile word!

1. Core Meaning:

At its simplest, "decide" means to make a choice between two or more options. It's about settling on a course of action.

2. Common Sentence Structures:

  • Subject + decide + to + infinitive: This is the most common way to use it.

    • I decided to go to the party. (I made the choice to go.)
    • She decided to study for the exam. (She made the choice to study.)
    • We decided to sell the car. (We chose to sell.)

  • Subject + decided + to + infinitive: Past tense.

    • He decided to travel around Europe. (He made the choice in the past.)
    • They decided to move to a new city. (They made the choice in the past.)

  • Subject + decide + [that + clause]: This emphasizes the reasoning behind the decision.

    • *I decided that I needed a break. * (I made the decision after thinking about it.)
    • *She decided that she would call him later. * (She made the decision with a specific plan.)

  • Subject + decided + [that + clause]: Past tense of the above structure.

    • *He decided that he was going to quit his job. * (He made the decision in the past with reasoning.)

3. Synonyms (Words that mean similar things):

  • Choose: (Often a more casual synonym) - I chose to stay home.
  • Select: (More formal) - The committee decided to select him.
  • Determine: (Suggests a more careful and thorough process) - The judge decided the verdict.
  • Resolve: (Implies a solution to a problem) - They decided on a solution to the conflict.
  • Opt: (Often used for single choices) - I opted to have pizza for dinner.

4. Examples in Context:

  • "After much deliberation, the team decided to postpone the meeting."
  • "Did you decide which movie to watch?"
  • "I need to decide what to wear to the wedding."
  • "The company decided to launch a new product."
  • "She decided against going to the concert because she was tired."

5. Phrasal Verbs with "Decide":

  • Decide on something: (To make a choice about something) – We need to decide on a venue.
  • Decide for someone: (To make a choice for them) – My parents decided for me what to study.
  • Decide against something: (To choose not to do something) – I decided against eating dessert.

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Synonyms for the word decide

Practice with vocabulary decide

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project team needs to ________ on a new approach for the marketing campaign by the end of the week.
  2. During the board meeting, the directors will ________ the company's financial strategy for the next quarter.
  3. It's imperative to ________ the necessary resources to complete the merger successfully.
  4. The consultant was hired to ________ a comprehensive analysis of the market trends.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. After extensive negotiations, the parties managed to ________ on a mutually beneficial agreement. A) resolve B) conclude C) decide D) agree
  2. The management committee must ________ whether to proceed with the controversial expansion plan. A) determine B) deliberate C) decide D) contemplate
  3. Effective leadership requires the ability to ________ clear objectives for the entire organization. A) establish B) define C) specify D) allocate
  4. The HR department needs to ________ on the criteria for the new performance review system. A) finalize B) settle C) decide D) choose
  5. To optimize efficiency, we should ________ redundant steps in the production process. A) eliminate B) restrict C) reduce D) abolish

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The university administration made a final choice to implement a new online learning platform.
    • Rewrite using "decide":
  2. Despite the initial difficulties, the team eventually found a way to resolve the complex technical issue.
    • Rewrite without using "decide":
  3. The board of directors is currently in the process of reaching a conclusion about the CEO's compensation package.
    • Rewrite using a form of "decide":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project team needs to decide on a new approach for the marketing campaign by the end of the week.
  2. During the board meeting, the directors will decide the company's financial strategy for the next quarter.
  3. It's imperative to allocate the necessary resources to complete the merger successfully.
  4. The consultant was hired to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the market trends.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. After extensive negotiations, the parties managed to C) decide, D) agree on a mutually beneficial agreement.
  2. The management committee must A) determine, C) decide whether to proceed with the controversial expansion plan.
  3. Effective leadership requires the ability to A) establish, B) define, C) specify clear objectives for the entire organization.
  4. The HR department needs to A) finalize, B) settle, C) decide, D) choose on the criteria for the new performance review system.
  5. To optimize efficiency, we should A) eliminate, C) reduce, D) abolish redundant steps in the production process.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The university administration decided to implement a new online learning platform.
  2. Despite the initial difficulties, the team eventually managed to resolve the complex technical issue.
  3. The board of directors is currently in the process of making a decision about the CEO's compensation package.

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