When something is decisive, it means it settles a situation or makes a big difference. Think of a decisive goal in a football match that wins the game – that's a perfect example. It's not just important; it's the thing that brings about a clear and final outcome. You might also hear it used to describe a person who is good at making quick, firm decisions. This word emphasizes finality and impact.
When something is decisive, it means it settles an issue or produces a definite outcome. Think of a decisive goal in a football match that wins the game, or a decisive moment in a debate that sways public opinion. It implies a clear and impactful resolution. You'll often hear it in contexts where a strong and conclusive action or event has taken place. For example, a doctor might make a decisive diagnosis, meaning a clear and final one.
§ Understanding 'Decisivo'
The Portuguese word 'decisivo' is an adjective, and it's pretty useful. Think of it as meaning 'decisive,' 'crucial,' or 'conclusive' in English. It's used when something has a big impact, settling an outcome or determining a result. You'll often hear it in contexts where a decision or an event has a clear and strong effect.
- DEFINITION
- Producing a definite result; crucial or conclusive.
§ Where you actually hear this word — work, school, news
You'll find 'decisivo' popping up in many different situations. It's a common word in formal and informal discussions, especially when talking about important moments or actions.
- In the News: When you're reading or watching the news, 'decisivo' often describes major events, elections, or decisions made by leaders.
- At Work: In a professional setting, it can refer to a critical meeting, a game-changing strategy, or a key factor in a project's success.
- In School: Students and teachers might use it to talk about important exams, turning points in history, or a crucial argument in an essay.
- Everyday Conversations: Even in casual chats, you might hear it when people discuss a definitive moment in a sports game, a final decision about plans, or a moment that changed everything.
§ Examples in Context
Let's look at some examples to see how 'decisivo' is used. Pay attention to the context to really grasp its meaning.
A sua intervenção foi decisiva para o sucesso do projeto.
_His/Her intervention was decisive for the project's success._
Here, 'decisiva' highlights that the intervention was the key factor that led to the project's success. Without it, the outcome might have been different.
O voto final foi decisivo na eleição.
_The final vote was decisive in the election._
This sentence means that the last vote cast was the one that determined the winner of the election. It was the crucial element that decided the result.
Precisamos tomar uma decisão decisiva agora.
_We need to make a decisive decision now._
In this case, 'decisiva' emphasizes the need for a firm and final decision that will settle things, rather than postponing or making a half-hearted choice.
Ele marcou o gol decisivo nos últimos minutos do jogo.
_He scored the decisive goal in the last minutes of the game._
Here, 'decisivo' describes the goal that secured the win or determined the final outcome of the game. It was the goal that mattered most.
§ Practice Using 'Decisivo'
To really get 'decisivo' into your active vocabulary, try to use it yourself. Think about situations in your own life where something was crucial or conclusive. For example:
- What was a 'momento decisivo' (decisive moment) in your day?
- What is a 'fator decisivo' (decisive factor) in choosing a new job?
- Have you ever had to make a 'decisão decisiva' (decisive decision) about something important?
By actively thinking about and using 'decisivo' in different contexts, you'll naturally start to incorporate it into your Portuguese. It's a really useful word to have in your vocabulary to express the importance and impact of events and choices.
How Formal Is It?
"A sua intervenção foi determinante para o sucesso da operação. (His intervention was crucial for the success of the operation.)"
"Foi um momento decisivo na partida. (It was a decisive moment in the match.)"
"Essa informação é chave para resolver o problema. (This information is key to solving the problem.)"
"É muito importante fazer a lição de casa. (It's very important to do your homework.)"
"Essa dica foi fundamental, valeu! (That tip was fundamental, thanks!)"
Beispiele nach Niveau
A sua intervenção foi decisiva para o desfecho positivo das negociações, alterando completamente o curso dos acontecimentos e garantindo a aceitação das nossas propostas.
His intervention was decisive for the positive outcome of the negotiations, completely altering the course of events and ensuring the acceptance of our proposals.
Em momentos de crise, a liderança deve ser decisiva e assertiva, tomando medidas firmes para estabilizar a situação e restabelecer a confiança no mercado.
In times of crisis, leadership must be decisive and assertive, taking firm measures to stabilize the situation and re-establish market confidence.
A escolha da estratégia de marketing revelou-se decisiva para o sucesso do lançamento do novo produto, superando as expectativas iniciais e conquistando uma fatia significativa do mercado.
The choice of marketing strategy proved decisive for the success of the new product launch, exceeding initial expectations and gaining a significant market share.
O testemunho daquela única testemunha foi decisivo para a condenação do réu, pois trouxe à tona provas irrefutáveis que antes eram desconhecidas.
The testimony of that single witness was decisive for the defendant's conviction, as it brought to light irrefutable evidence that was previously unknown.
Para alcançar resultados exponenciais, é imperativo que cada passo dado seja decisivo e alinhado com os objetivos de longo prazo da organização.
To achieve exponential results, it is imperative that each step taken is decisive and aligned with the long-term objectives of the organization.
A sua contribuição para o projeto foi decisiva, especialmente na fase de implementação, onde a sua expertise técnica resolveu vários impasses críticos.
His contribution to the project was decisive, especially in the implementation phase, where his technical expertise resolved several critical impasses.
A postura decisiva do governo em relação à reforma tributária foi fundamental para restaurar a confiança dos investidores estrangeiros no país.
The decisive stance of the government regarding tax reform was fundamental to restoring the confidence of foreign investors in the country.
O gol marcado nos últimos minutos do jogo foi decisivo para a vitória da equipe, garantindo a classificação para a próxima fase do campeonato.
The goal scored in the final minutes of the game was decisive for the team's victory, securing qualification for the next phase of the championship.
Wird oft verwechselt mit
While 'determinante' describes something that *determines* an outcome, 'decisivo' is about the action or moment that *finalizes* it.
Both are strong, but 'decisivo' emphasizes the definitive closure of a matter more than 'crucial' often does.
Remember 'final' just means the end, while 'decisivo' is the *cause* of the definitive end.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
"Ponto decisivo"
Decisive point; turning point
Aquele jogo foi um ponto decisivo na carreira dele. (That game was a decisive point in his career.)
neutral"Momento decisivo"
Decisive moment; critical moment
Foi um momento decisivo para o futuro da empresa. (It was a decisive moment for the future of the company.)
neutral"Fator decisivo"
Decisive factor
O preço foi o fator decisivo na nossa escolha. (The price was the decisive factor in our choice.)
neutral"Voto decisivo"
Decisive vote; casting vote
O voto do presidente foi o decisivo para aprovar a lei. (The president's vote was the decisive one to approve the law.)
neutral"Golo decisivo"
Decisive goal; winning goal (in sports)
Ele marcou o golo decisivo nos últimos minutos. (He scored the decisive goal in the last minutes.)
neutral"Palavra decisiva"
Decisive word; final word
A decisão final é sua, a sua palavra é a decisiva. (The final decision is yours, your word is the decisive one.)
neutral"Argumento decisivo"
Decisive argument; clinching argument
O advogado apresentou um argumento decisivo que convenceu o júri. (The lawyer presented a decisive argument that convinced the jury.)
neutral"Papel decisivo"
Decisive role; crucial role
Ela desempenhou um papel decisivo no sucesso do projeto. (She played a decisive role in the project's success.)
neutral"Ter um impacto decisivo"
To have a decisive impact
As novas políticas terão um impacto decisivo na economia. (The new policies will have a decisive impact on the economy.)
neutral"Passo decisivo"
Decisive step
Dar o primeiro passo é sempre o mais decisivo. (Taking the first step is always the most decisive.)
neutralLeicht verwechselbar
'Determinante' also implies something that determines a result, making it seem similar to 'decisivo'.
'Determinante' often refers to a factor or element that is crucial in shaping an outcome, while 'decisivo' refers to the moment or action that brings about the final, definite result.
A sua atitude foi *determinante* para o sucesso do projeto. (His attitude was *determining* for the project's success.) Aquele gol foi *decisivo* para a vitória. (That goal was *decisive* for the victory.)
This is a direct cognate and often has a similar meaning in English, leading learners to think they are always interchangeable.
While 'crucial' can be used similarly to 'decisivo' in many contexts, 'decisivo' more strongly emphasizes the finality and definitiveness of the result.
É *crucial* que tomemos uma decisão. (It's *crucial* that we make a decision.) A sua intervenção foi *decisiva*. (His intervention was *decisive*.)
Both words relate to an end result, which can cause confusion.
'Final' simply means the last or ultimate stage, while 'decisivo' implies that the final stage was reached due to a specific, impactful action or event.
Esta é a versão *final* do relatório. (This is the *final* version of the report.) A decisão foi *decisiva* para o futuro da empresa. (The decision was *decisive* for the company's future.)
This word is also a cognate and means 'conclusive', directly overlapping with part of 'decisivo's' definition.
While 'conclusivo' refers to evidence or arguments that put an end to doubt, 'decisivo' typically refers to an action or event that settles a matter.
Temos evidências *conclusivas*. (We have *conclusive* evidence.) Aquele momento foi *decisivo* na minha carreira. (That moment was *decisive* in my career.)
Something decisive is usually important, so learners might use 'importante' when 'decisivo' is more appropriate.
'Importante' is a general term for significance, whereas 'decisivo' specifies that something is important because it directly leads to a final, definite result.
É uma questão *importante*. (It's an *important* matter.) A sua participação foi *decisiva*. (Your participation was *decisive*.)
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
So verwendest du es
When something is decisive, it means it's the thing that makes the difference, or settles a matter. Think of it like a 'game-changing' moment or a 'final' answer. For example, a golo decisivo is a decisive goal that wins the game. A votação decisiva is a decisive vote that determines the outcome. It can also describe a person who is good at making decisions, e.g., Ele é um líder muito decisivo. (He is a very decisive leader.)
A common mistake is confusing 'decisive' with 'decision-making' in contexts where 'decision-making' might be better expressed as tomada de decisão or capacidade de decisão. While decisivo can describe a decisive person, avoid using it directly as a noun for 'a decision'. For instance, you wouldn't say 'this is a decisivo' to mean 'this is a decision'. Instead, you'd say esta é uma decisão.
Tipps
Main meaning of decisivo
The most common meaning of decisivo is 'decisive' or 'crucial'. Think of a decisive moment or a decisive victory.
Gender and number agreement for decisivo
Like most adjectives in Portuguese, decisivo agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. So you'll see decisivo (masculine singular), decisiva (feminine singular), decisivos (masculine plural), and decisivas (feminine plural).
Decisive moments
A common phrase is 'momento decisivo' (decisive moment).
Example: 'Aquele foi um momento decisivo na minha vida.' (That was a decisive moment in my life.)
Decisive factor
Another frequent use is 'fator decisivo' (decisive factor).
Example: 'A experiência foi o fator decisivo para a escolha.' (Experience was the decisive factor for the choice.)
Decisive victory
When talking about results, you can use 'vitória decisiva' (decisive victory).
Example: 'A equipe obteve uma vitória decisiva.' (The team achieved a decisive victory.)
Decisive action
To describe an action that brings about a clear result, use 'ação decisiva' (decisive action).
Example: 'É preciso tomar uma atitude decisiva.' (It's necessary to take a decisive attitude/action.)
Conclusive evidence
You can also use decisivo to mean 'conclusive,' especially in a legal or investigative context. 'Evidência decisiva' (conclusive evidence).
Example: 'Eles encontraram provas decisivas.' (They found conclusive evidence.)
Decision-making
While not directly 'decision-making,' the root of decisivo is 'decidir' (to decide). Understanding this connection can help you remember the meaning.
Decisivo is not 'determined'
Don't confuse decisivo with 'determinado' (determined/specific). While related in concept, they are not interchangeable. Decisivo focuses on the outcome, 'determinado' on resolve or specificity.
Practice with synonyms
To reinforce, think about synonyms for 'decisive' in English like 'crucial,' 'pivotal,' 'conclusive,' or 'definitive.' This helps solidify the meaning of decisivo in your mind.
Teste dich selbst 42 Fragen
A sua decisão foi ___ para o resultado do jogo. (Your decision was ___ for the game's result.)
The context implies a crucial decision, making 'decisiva' (decisive) the best fit.
Ele fez um movimento ___ e venceu a partida. (He made a ___ move and won the match.)
'Decisivo' (decisive) fits because the move led to winning the match.
Para o sucesso, é preciso ter uma atitude ___. (For success, one needs to have a ___ attitude.)
A 'decisiva' (decisive) attitude is necessary for success.
O voto dele foi ___ para a eleição. (His vote was ___ for the election.)
A vote that determines an election is 'decisivo' (decisive).
Este é um momento ___ para a nossa empresa. (This is a ___ moment for our company.)
A 'decisivo' (decisive) moment implies a critical juncture for the company.
A sua ajuda foi ___ para eu terminar o trabalho. (Your help was ___ for me to finish the work.)
'Decisiva' (decisive) indicates that the help was crucial for completing the work.
Choose the word closest in meaning to 'decisivo' in a simple context:
In a simple context for A1 learners, 'decisive' means something important because it leads to a clear result.
Which of these sentences uses 'decisivo' correctly at a basic level?
'Water is decisive for living' means it's crucial for life, fitting the basic meaning of 'decisive'.
If something is 'decisivo', it means it is...
For A1, 'decisive' can be understood as 'very important' because it changes things clearly.
Um dia chuvoso é sempre decisivo. (A rainy day is always decisive.)
A rainy day is not always decisive; decisiveness implies a clear, impactful outcome, not just a weather condition.
A comida é decisiva para a vida. (Food is decisive for life.)
Yes, food is crucial and essential for life, making it 'decisive' in this context.
Um livro pequeno é decisivo. (A small book is decisive.)
The size of a book does not make it 'decisive'. Decisive refers to the importance or impact of something.
Pay attention to how 'decisiva' is used to describe the team's decision.
Listen for 'momento decisivo' and what happened at that point.
How did 'sua intervenção' impact the situation, and what role did 'decisiva' play?
Read this aloud:
Qual foi o fator decisivo para sua escolha de carreira?
Focus: decisivo
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Read this aloud:
Descreva um momento decisivo na história do seu país.
Focus: momento decisivo
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Read this aloud:
Você considera que as pequenas escolhas diárias podem ter um impacto decisivo em nosso futuro?
Focus: impacto decisivo
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Em uma negociação complexa, qual característica é mais decisiva para o sucesso?
A capacidade de apresentar argumentos convincentes é crucial ('decisiva') para influenciar o resultado de uma negociação.
Qual das opções a seguir descreve melhor uma ação decisiva em uma crise?
Uma ação decisiva implica em tomar uma medida firme e conclusiva, sem hesitação, para resolver a situação.
Na resolução de um problema matemático complexo, qual é o passo mais decisivo?
Identificar a fórmula ou o método correto é o passo crucial ('decisivo') que encaminha a solução do problema.
Uma pessoa decisiva geralmente hesita antes de tomar uma decisão importante.
Uma pessoa decisiva age com firmeza e sem hesitação ao tomar decisões, especialmente as importantes.
O papel de um líder é ser decisivo nos momentos de incerteza, guiando a equipe.
Em momentos de incerteza, a capacidade de um líder de tomar decisões firmes e claras é crucial ('decisiva') para a equipe.
Para que um argumento seja decisivo, ele precisa ser vago e cheio de possibilidades.
Para ser decisivo, um argumento deve ser claro, conclusivo e produzir um resultado definido, não ser vago.
This sentence means 'His/Her intervention was decisive for the outcome of the project.' We start with the subject 'A sua intervenção' (His/Her intervention), followed by the verb 'foi' (was), then the adjective 'decisiva' (decisive), and finally the purpose 'para o desfecho do projeto' (for the outcome of the project).
This sentence translates to 'The most decisive moment of the match was when the goalkeeper made that save.' We start with 'O momento mais decisivo' (The most decisive moment), specify 'da partida' (of the match), then 'foi quando' (was when), and finally describe the action 'o goleiro fez aquela defesa' (the goalkeeper made that save).
This sentence means 'Making a decisive decision in these circumstances is crucial for the future of the company.' We begin with the infinitive phrase 'Tomar uma decisão decisiva' (Making a decisive decision), specify the context 'nestas circunstâncias' (in these circumstances), then state its importance 'é crucial' (is crucial), and finally the objective 'para o futuro da empresa' (for the future of the company).
Choose the best synonym for 'decisivo' in this context: 'A votação de hoje será decisiva para o futuro do projeto.'
'Crucial' (crucial) is the best synonym for 'decisivo' in this sentence as it emphasizes the importance and impact on the project's future. The other options suggest the opposite.
Which sentence uses 'decisivo' correctly?
'Decisivo' describes an action or event that brings about a definite, conclusive result. An intervention can be crucial for success, but rain, a dog, or a book don't typically exhibit 'decisive' qualities in these contexts.
In the phrase 'um momento decisivo', what does 'decisivo' imply about the moment?
'Decisivo' indicates that the moment had a significant impact or consequence, leading to a conclusive result, not just length, silence, or confusion.
A decisão 'decisiva' é sempre fácil de tomar.
A 'decisive' decision implies a significant impact and outcome, but not necessarily ease of making the decision. Often, decisive moments are difficult precisely because of their importance.
Se um fator é 'decisivo', significa que ele é o único fator importante.
While a 'decisive' factor is crucial and determines the outcome, it doesn't mean it's the *only* important factor. There can be other contributing factors, but the decisive one tips the scale.
Um argumento 'decisivo' é aquele que resolve uma discussão ou questão de forma conclusiva.
A 'decisive' argument is one that is so strong and convincing that it settles the matter, leading to a definite conclusion and ending the debate.
The correct order forms a grammatically sound sentence meaning 'The government's action was decisive for the economic recovery.'
This arrangement creates a coherent sentence that translates to 'His/Her contribution was decisive in the implementation of the new project.'
The words are arranged to form the sentence 'That moment was decisive for the future of the company.'
/ 42 correct
Perfect score!
Main meaning of decisivo
The most common meaning of decisivo is 'decisive' or 'crucial'. Think of a decisive moment or a decisive victory.
Gender and number agreement for decisivo
Like most adjectives in Portuguese, decisivo agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. So you'll see decisivo (masculine singular), decisiva (feminine singular), decisivos (masculine plural), and decisivas (feminine plural).
Decisive moments
A common phrase is 'momento decisivo' (decisive moment).
Example: 'Aquele foi um momento decisivo na minha vida.' (That was a decisive moment in my life.)
Decisive factor
Another frequent use is 'fator decisivo' (decisive factor).
Example: 'A experiência foi o fator decisivo para a escolha.' (Experience was the decisive factor for the choice.)
Beispiel
Foi um momento decisivo para o futuro da empresa.
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a curto prazo
A2Over a short period of time; short-term.
à exceção de
B1With the exception of; apart from.
a longo prazo
A2Over a long period of time; long-term.
a não ser que
A2Unless; except if; only if not.
a partir de
A2Starting from; from a certain point in time or place.
a prazo
A2For a period of time; on credit or payment terms.
a tempo inteiro
B1Full-time; working the full number of hours considered normal for a job.
a tempo parcial
B1Part-time; working less than full-time hours.
abdicar
A2To give up, to abdicate; to renounce or relinquish a throne, right, power, or claim.
acessível
B1Available, accessible; easy to approach or use.
