German word

entscheidend

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛntˈʃaɪ̯dənt/

Meaning

  • adjectivedecisive

Example

Das Ergebnis war entscheidend für das Team.

The result was decisive for the team.

Illustration for entscheidend (decisive)

More examples

Für mich war seine Erfahrung entscheidend.

For me, his experience was decisive.

Core concept

At a critical fork, one factor directs the outcome down one path rather than another.

Common phrases

  • entscheidend für mich

    decisive for me

  • entscheidend für dich

    decisive for you

Similar words

ausschlaggebend: Important enough to determine the final result or conclusion.
zentral: At the center of something and essential to how the whole thing functions.

Definition in German

Von großer Wirkung, so dass eine Person oder ein Ereignis das Ergebnis maßgeblich beeinflusst.

Word origin

The adjective comes from entscheiden through its present participle, while ent- and scheiden reflect the older idea of separating or choosing between alternatives.

Usage tips

  • German also uses entscheidend adverbially for 'decisively', especially in phrases such as entscheidend dazu beitragen.

Other meanings

  • importantadjective
  • decisivelyadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word