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

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