decide
UK[dɪˈsaɪd]US[dɪˈsaɪd]
v
to think about two or more possibilities and choose one of them
v
to make an official or legal judgment about something
Morpheme Breakdown
de
cide
de
off, completely
cide
cut
Etymology
The verb 'decide' originates from the Latin decidere, a compound of de- ('off') and caedere ('to cut'). The literal sense was 'to cut off,' which evolved metaphorically to mean 'to settle a dispute or question by cutting off all uncertainty or debate.' This semantic shift from a physical act of cutting to a mental act of making a conclusive judgment is a classic example of metaphorical extension. The word entered English via Old French in the late 14th century, solidifying its modern abstract meaning of reaching a definitive choice or resolution.
Analysis
Structure: de (off, completely) + cide (cut)
de- (Latin prefix meaning 'off, away, down, completely'); -cide (from Latin caedere, meaning 'to cut, to strike, to kill')
Examples
I can't decide between the chocolate cake and the cheesecake.
The judge will decide the case based on the evidence presented.
We decided to postpone the meeting until next week.