Decisively
/dɪˈsaɪ.sɪv.li/noun
In a manner that produces a definite result or settles an issue.
Did you know?Latin decidere literally meant “to cut off,” and its figurative sense of settling an issue reflects the ancient image of cutting away alternatives.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kaid-
“To cut or strike; the reconstructed ancestor associated with Latin caedere.”
Classical Latin
Latin
decīdere
“To cut off; figuratively, to settle or determine an issue.”
Late Latin
Latin
decīsus
“Cut off, determined, or settled; the participial form behind later Romance developments.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
decīsīvus
“Decisive or determining; literally connected with the act of cutting off.”
16th Century
English
decisive
“Determining an outcome or settling a question.”
17th Century
English
decisively
“In a decisive or conclusive manner.”