decidedly

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'decidedly' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb which means 'definitely' or 'emphatically'. You can use it to emphasize a point, such as in the following sentence: The party was decidedly a success, with everyone having a wonderful time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Among Facebook users, the reaction was decidedly mixed.

The Guardian

After spending many hours in a beauty salon I was decidedly light-headed from inhaling hairspray.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, her pitch was decidedly focused on economic issues such as equal pay, paid family leave and raising the minimum wage, although Clinton pointed out such matters disproportionately affected minority women.

The Guardian

The hostel was purpose-built in the 1970s and there's something of a vintage feel, especially in the shared bathrooms which, while spotless, are decidedly old-fashioned.

The Guardian - Travel

He'd slipped away for a meeting and a quieter drink in the atmospheric front bar not long after drag comedian Sofia made her entrance in a beribboned Priscilla-style bus and took to the stage with a decidedly R-rated routine.

The Guardian

Two millennia later, the decidedly 21st century combination of big data and crowdsourcing may be yielding the answer.

The Guardian

Five-thousand members of the Women's Institute have gathered to mark 100 years of their foundation, and as the defiant "Ladies Toilett" signs stuck on the doors of the gents' affirm, for one day at least, this is decidedly a women's world.

The Guardian

On Fendi's AW15 catwalk, it was less baker and more butcher as models paraded in leather A-line apron mini skirts with leather apron tops, all toy buttons and bizarre furry boots: a decidedly weightier and wipe-down version.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I think this is what I like most about boyfriend clothes: despite their decidedly unfeminist name, they are not made for male approval.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Its pilot was decidedly shaky, but its stars, Leslie Bibb and Rachel Dratch, bounced energetically off each other – it would have been interesting to see whether it found its feet over the course of a full series.

The Guardian

Franks said both the Republican-dominated House and Senate were both "decidedly in favour of the bill", although he conceded there was no chance of his bill becoming law with a Democrat in the White House.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decidedly" to add emphasis to an adjective or adverb, making your statement more assertive and clear. For instance, "The outcome was decidedly positive" conveys more conviction than "The outcome was positive."

Common error

While "decidedly" is grammatically correct, overuse can make writing sound stilted or overly formal. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "definitely" or "clearly" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "decidedly" functions as an intensifier, modifying adjectives or adverbs to emphasize the degree or quality being described. As Ludwig AI indicates, it adds emphasis to the statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decidedly" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverb that functions as an intensifier, adding emphasis and certainty to a statement. According to Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news and media, business, and some scientific writing. Though highly versatile, it should be employed thoughtfully, avoiding overuse in informal settings to maintain a natural tone. Alternatives such as "definitely", "emphatically", and "unquestionably" can be used to achieve a similar effect with varied nuances. In conclusion, "decidedly" is a valuable tool for writers seeking to convey conviction and clarity in their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unquestionably

This alternative offers a more formal and direct assertion of certainty.

without a doubt

Expresses certainty by negating any possibility of uncertainty.

emphatically

This alternative highlights the forceful and unambiguous nature of the statement.

definitely

This is a more common and straightforward synonym for "decidedly".

undeniably

Indicates that something cannot be denied or disputed.

assuredly

Conveys confidence and certainty in a slightly more formal manner.

patently

Implies that something is obvious or easily apparent.

in spades

This alternative idiomatically suggests abundance or excess, amplifying the original statement.

positively

Adds emphasis and conviction to the statement.

by all odds

This phrase implies a high probability or likelihood, akin to "decidedly" in expressing confidence.

FAQs

How to use "decidedly" in a sentence?

"Decidedly" is used to emphasize the adjective or adverb it modifies. For example, "The atmosphere was "decidedly festive"" or "She acted "decidedly professional" during the meeting."

What can I say instead of "decidedly"?

You can use alternatives like "definitely", "emphatically", "unquestionably", or "clearly" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "decidedly positive" or "decisive positive"?

"Decidedly positive" is correct. "Decidedly" emphasizes the degree of positiveness. "Decisive" means resolute or determining an issue, so "decisive positive" doesn't make sense.

What's the difference between "decidedly" and "decisively"?

"Decidedly" means unambiguously or definitely, emphasizing a quality. "Decisively" means in a way that shows the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively. For example, "The team won "decisively"" (they made quick, effective decisions), whereas "The atmosphere was "decidedly celebratory"" (unambiguously celebratory)."