Making Decisions: English Vocabulary List

the fact of being responsible for what someone does and being able to explain the reasons

"We need more accountability."

"We need more accountability from politicians so they take responsibility for their actions and decisions."

an official judgment in court of law that declares someone not guilty of the crime they were charged with

"The acquittal meant he was free to go home at last."

"The defendant cried tears of relief when the jury returned a verdict of acquittal after deliberating for only two hours."

someone who makes a formal decision about who is right in an argument or dispute

"The adjudicator made a decision."

"The impartial adjudicator listened carefully to both sides of the dispute before making a fair final decision."

the faculty to use free will and make decisions

"She acted of her own volition."

"Participants joined the demanding experiment entirely through informed personal volition without pressure."

a tendency to believe in or favor something

"His political leanings are liberal."

"His political leaning is clearly to the left according to his statements."

a deep feeling of anger and dislike toward someone because of what they did in the past

"He held a grudge."

"She decided to let go of the old grudge and focus on building positive relationships."

the idea that human beings have the agency to decide independently without being controlled by any outside influences

"Exercise free will."

"Every person should have the right to exercise free will in making important life decisions freely."

a situation that is difficult because a choice must be made between two or more options that are equally important

"She faced a serious career dilemma recently"

"She faced a dilemma accept the job in another city or stay with her aging parents."

to think carefully about something and consider it before making a decision

"The jury will deliberate before reaching a verdict."

"The jury will deliberate for as long as necessary before reaching a verdict in this complex case."

to decide something, after considering all possible alternatives

"They finally settled on a wedding date."

"After viewing several apartments they finally settled on a small but cozy two bedroom unit near the park."

to start to dislike someone or something

"I take against him."

"Ever since the argument, she has seemed to take against her new colleague, avoiding all interaction."

(of a group) fully in agreement on something

"The vote was unanimous."

"The jury reached a unanimous verdict after only two hours of deliberation and the defendant was found guilty on all charges."

to consider a matter carefully before reaching a decision

"He thinks over the job offer."

"Take a few days to think over the job offer before giving them your final decision."

(of a person) having difficulty making choices or decisions, often due to fear, lack of confidence, or overthinking

"I am indecisive."

"The indecisive shopper stood in the aisle for twenty minutes trying to choose between two similar products while other customers waited impatiently behind her."

capable of quickly grasping complex topics and offer clear and insightful perspectives

"Her comment is incisive."

"The journalist asked an incisive question that cut to the heart of the issue and the politician struggled to give a straight answer."

(of a person) overly particular about small details, making one challenging to please

"The cat is finicky."

"The finicky cat refused to eat any food that was not her favorite brand and she would sniff the bowl and walk away."

to specify that something needs to be done or how it should be done, especially as part of an agreement

"The contract stipulates a delivery date."

"The contract clearly stipulates that both parties must give at least thirty days written notice before terminating the agreement for any reason."

(of a rule, process, etc.) strictly followed or applied

"The training is rigorous."

"The training program for the firefighters is rigorous and only those who are physically fit can successfully complete the entire course."

the fact of complying with a command, order, impulse, etc. or following someone's rules and beliefs

"Adherence to rules is key."

"The team's success was attributed to their strict adherence to the coach's demanding training regimen."

aiming to provide advice and suggestions

"The role is advisory."

"The advisory committee makes recommendations to the board but does not have the power to make final decisions."

to speak positively about someone or something and suggest their suitability

"I commend you for your hard work."

"I would like to commend all of the volunteers who worked tirelessly to help the victims of the devastating flood recover and rebuild their homes."

to be attentive to advice or a warning

"Heed my warning before it is too late."

"The drivers did not heed the warning signs about the icy road and several of them crashed into each other."

suggesting something without directly stating it

"There was implicit agreement."

"The implicit trust between the two friends meant that they never doubted each other's loyalty or honesty."

not recommended to do based on the particular situation

"This is inadvisable."

"It is inadvisable to go hiking alone in that remote wilderness without proper preparation and communication."

to suggest or assume the existence or truth of something as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief

"The theory postulates the existence of dark matter."

"The scientist postulated that there might be other intelligent life forms in the universe but he admitted that he had no direct evidence to prove it."

to put an idea, proposition, theory, etc. forward for further consideration

"He propounded a new philosophical theory."

"The philosophy professor spent the entire lecture propounding his own unique theory about the nature of consciousness and reality."

to perceive something as a sign that indicates the occurrence of something good or evil

"Clouds prefigure rain."

"The sudden storm clouds seemed to prefigure a period of great hardship for the small village."

a vote or formal decision that prevents a proposal or measure from being approved

"The veto stopped the bill."

"The governor's veto effectively blocked the controversial new legislation from becoming law."

an opinion given or a decision made after much consideration

"The jury reached a verdict."

"After much deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty in the high-profile case."

an unfair prejudice or bias toward an individual, group of people, etc.

"Show no partiality."

"The judge was accused of partiality because he seemed to favor one side of the case."

to postpone an appointment or arrangement

"Do not put off your homework."

"Do not put off your homework until the last minute because you may not have enough time to complete it properly before the deadline."

(of a rule, process, etc.) strictly followed or applied

"The test is rigorous."

"The test is rigorous and only students who have studied very hard will pass it."

something that is required as a precondition for something else following

"A degree is a prerequisite."

"Completing an introductory course is a prerequisite for enrolling in the advanced level class."

to adjust one's actions or behavior based on specific information, ideas, or advice

"She acts on her good intentions."

"The committee decided to act on the recommendation immediately because the situation was urgent and required quick action."

to suggest something in an indirect manner

"He insinuated that she was lying."

"During the argument he cruelly insinuated that his sister had only gotten the job because of her appearance and not her qualifications."

to show, point out, or suggest the existence, presence, or nature of something

"The sign indicates the correct direction."

"The arrows on the floor indicate the direction of the emergency exit in case of a fire."

to encourage someone to do or say something

"The question prompted a thoughtful response."

"The teacher's question prompted a lively discussion among the students about environmental issues."