Kenneth G. Wilson (1923–). The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. 1993.
decided, decisive (adjs.)
Decided means “unquestionable, clear, unwavering, determined,” as in She has some decided views on this year’s candidates. Decisive is a near-synonym, meaning “clear, determined, unmistakable, critically important,” but adds the idea of “bringing to decision,” “conclusive,” as in Because the other members are evenly divided on the issue, his vote will be decisive; that is, it will decide the contest. Decided opinions are strong; decisive opinions carry the day.
