Decisive describes someone or something that can make clear choices quickly, or an action that settles an issue completely.
It comes from Latin “decisivus,” from “decidere,” meaning “to decide, determine,” literally “to cut off.” The idea is that a decision cuts off other options.
Being decisive is literally about “cutting away” other choices so one path remains. That’s why decisions often feel painful—you’re not just choosing one thing, you’re killing off all the alternatives.
Being 'decisive' has historically been praised in men as a leadership trait, while similar behavior in women was sometimes criticized as 'bossy' or 'overbearing'. This reflects gendered double standards in evaluations of leadership.
Apply 'decisive' consistently across genders, and avoid framing the same behavior as positive in men and negative in women. Focus on the quality of decision-making, not stereotypes.
["clear-minded","firm","resolute"]
Many women leaders have been highly decisive in politics, science, and business, though their decisiveness has often been downplayed or reframed as emotional or aggressive.
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