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Décidé vs. décisif

Word practice demo
While both décidé and décisif can be translated as "decisive" in English, they distinguish between a person's attitude and the outcome of an event. Décidé refers to a determined state of mind, whereas décisif refers to something that settles a situation or determines a result.

Décidé

B1
This adjective is used to describe a person (or their behavior) who is resolute, unshakable, and has firmly made up their mind. It corresponds to the definition of being determined or intent on a course of action.
Elle a marché d'un pas décidé vers le podium.
(She walked with a decisive step toward the podium.)
Je ne suis pas encore décidé sur la date du départ.
(I am not yet decided on the departure date.)
Il a l'air bien décidé à ne pas se laisser faire.
(He looks very determined not to let himself be pushed around.)
Même face aux critiques, elle est restée décidée.
(Even in the face of criticism, she remained resolute.)
C'est un homme décidé qui sait ce qu'il veut.
(He is a decisive man who knows what he wants.)

Décisif

B2
This adjective describes an event, factor, or action that settles a dispute or determines a final outcome. It means conclusive or crucial. In French, unlike English, it is rarely used to describe a person's personality directly, but rather the impact of their actions.
Ce match sera décisif pour la qualification.
(This match will be decisive for the qualification.)
Il a joué un rôle décisif dans la réussite de l'entreprise.
(He played a decisive role in the company's success.)
C'est un argument décisif qui a convaincu le juge.
(It is a decisive argument that convinced the judge.)
La bataille fut décisive pour la fin de la guerre.
(The battle was decisive for the end of the war.)
Nous sommes arrivés à un tournant décisif de notre histoire.
(We have arrived at a critical turning point in our history.)

Summary

Use décidé when speaking about a person who is determined and willpower-driven. Use décisif when speaking about an action, moment, or argument that acts as the tipping point to conclude a situation.