decidido
Lemma Details
Translation: decided; determined; resolute; decisive; firm
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: Derived from the past participle of the verb 'decidir' (to decide), which comes from Latin 'decidere', meaning 'to cut off, determine'. The Latin word is formed from 'de-' (off, away) and 'caedere' (to cut). This shares the same Latin root as English words like 'decide', 'decision', and 'decisive'. The connection to 'cutting' suggests making a clear separation or choice, removing other options.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Es una persona muy decidida que sabe lo que quiere.
She is a very determined person who knows what she wants.
Con paso decidido, entró en la sala de reuniones.
With a determined step, he entered the meeting room.
Estoy decidido a terminar este proyecto antes del viernes.
I am determined to finish this project before Friday.
Necesitamos un líder decidido para este equipo.
We need a decisive leader for this team.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'decided' in English - they sound very similar and have the same meaning.
- Remember the root 'cid' (from 'cut') - a decidido person has 'cut away' all doubts.
- Visualize someone cutting a ribbon decisively to open a new business - they are decidido.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, being 'decidido' is often viewed positively as it reflects confidence and clarity of purpose. The term is commonly used in professional contexts to describe someone who takes initiative and makes firm decisions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Decidido' is an adjective meaning 'determined' or 'decided', while 'decido' is the first-person singular present tense of the verb 'decidir', meaning 'I decide'.
Confused word:
Yo decido qué hacer.
I decide what to do.
Notes: The stress falls on different syllables: de-ci-DI-do (adjective) vs. de-CI-do (verb).
Mnemonic: 'Decidido' ends in '-ido', like many past participles used as adjectives, while 'decido' is a verb form.
Explanation: While 'decidido' refers to someone who is determined or resolute, 'decisivo' refers to something that is decisive or crucial in determining an outcome.
Notes: Both words come from the same root but have different applications.
Mnemonic: 'Decisivo' relates to the impact or importance of something, while 'decidido' relates to a person's attitude or character.