decide

To choose what to do after thinking about the different possibilities.

• I decided to stay home.
• Have you decided where to eat?
• They will decide on a date tomorrow.

How to use it: decide to do something (We decided to walk home.); decide on something (They decided on a smaller car.); decide whether/what/how… (I cannot decide what to wear.)

Similar words: choose, make up your mind

Common phrases: decide to go, decide on something, decide what happens

To reach a conclusion about something after considering it carefully.

• I decided that she was right.
• The judge decided the evidence was reliable.
• We must decide whether this claim is true.

How to use it: decide that… (She decided that the explanation was false.); decide whether… (The jury must decide whether he is guilty.)

Similar words: conclude, judge, determine

Common phrases: decide that something, decide whether something, decide someone is

To settle a question or disagreement, or determine who wins a contest.

• One goal decided the match.
• The court will decide the dispute.
• A final vote decided the outcome of the election.

Similar words: settle, determine, resolve

Common phrases: decide a match, decide the outcome, decide a dispute