decided
UK[dɪˈsaɪdɪd]US[dɪˈsaɪdɪd]
adj
having clear opinions and firm intentions; not hesitating or uncertain
adj
definite and obvious
Morpheme Breakdown
de
cide
ed
de
completely
cide
cut
ed
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'decided' originates from the latin verb 'decidere', which is a compound of 'de-' (meaning 'off') and 'caedere' (meaning 'to cut'). this literal sense of 'cutting off' evolved metaphorically to signify bringing a matter to a conclusion by cutting off debate or uncertainty. the past participle form 'decidere' passed into english via old french, and the suffix '-ed' was added, following the english pattern for creating participial adjectives. thus, the modern meaning of 'decided' as 'clear, definite, and resolute' retains the core idea of a matter being conclusively settled.
Analysis
Structure: de (completely) + cide (cut) + ed (adjective suffix)
de- (latin prefix, meaning 'off, completely'); cide (from latin verb 'caedere', meaning 'to cut'); -ed (old english suffix, forming participial adjectives)
Examples
she was a very decided young woman who knew exactly what she wanted.
there was a decided improvement in his health after the treatment.
he spoke in a decided tone that left no room for argument.