decisively
Meaning
in a manner that settles an issue convincingly or produces a definite result
in a way that shows the ability to make quick and firm choices
Structure
Usage
the general acted decisively to secure the border.
she answered the question decisively, leaving no room for doubt.
the new evidence pointed decisively towards his innocence.
Etymology
the adverb "decisively" is built upon the adjective "decisive," which originates from the medieval latin 'decisivus'. this, in turn, derives from the past participle stem 'decis-' of the latin verb 'decidere', meaning 'to cut off' or 'to decide'. the core imagery is of cutting through uncertainty, much like cutting a knot, to reach a conclusion. the suffix '-ive' forms the adjective meaning 'having the quality of cutting off (doubt)', and the old english adverbial suffix '-ly' then modifies this adjective to describe the manner of an action. thus, the word's evolution captures the movement from the physical act of cutting to the abstract process of making firm, conclusive judgments.
Analysis
decis (from latin 'decidere', past participle stem 'decis-', meaning 'to cut off, decide'), ive (latin suffix '-ivus', forming adjectives meaning 'having the nature of'), ly (old english suffix '-lice', forming adverbs from adjectives)