OpenEtymology

undecided

UKˌʌndɪˈsaɪdɪdUSˌʌndɪˈsaɪdɪd

Meaning

1adj

not having made a decision about something

2adj

not yet having a definite result or winner

Structure

word structure
1
un
not
+
2
decide
to make a choice
+
3
ed
adjective suffix

Usage

i'm still undecided about which university to attend.

the match was left undecided due to bad weather.

many voters remain undecided just days before the election.

Etymology

The word 'undecided' is a relatively Modern English formation, built upon the older verb 'decide'. The core verb 'decide' originates from the Latin decidere, meaning "to cut off" or "to settle", which itself is composed of de- ("off") and caedere ("to cut"). This metaphor of cutting off alternatives to reach a conclusion evolved into the modern sense of making a choice. The Old English negative prefix 'un-' was attached to the past participle 'decided' to create an adjective describing a state where a conclusive cut or choice has not yet been made. The '-ed' suffix here functions adjectivally, indicating the possessed quality of being unresolved.

Analysis

Structure
un (not) + decide (to make a choice) + ed (adjective suffix)=unnot+decideto make a choice+edadjective suffix

un- (old english, a prefix expressing negation); decide (from latin decidere, meaning "to cut off, determine"); -ed (old english, a suffix forming adjectives from verbs or nouns, indicating a state or condition).

Undecided Meaning & Word Parts (un + decide + ed) | OpenEtymology