Decision-Making Terminology

noun a large, heavy mammal with thick fur and a short tail

verb to remember or consider something

• When making a decision, it is important to bear in mind all possible consequences.
• Just bear in mind that the store closes at 9 pm tonight.
• Hey, bear in mind that we're meeting up at the usual spot later.
• As you navigate through life, always bear in mind that challenges make you stronger.

noun a French term meaning 'blank document' or 'white paper', used to refer to complete freedom or authority to act as one wishes

• The artist was given carte blanche to create whatever they desired for the exhibition.
• My boss gave me carte blanche to decorate the office however I wanted.
• I have carte blanche to pick any movie for movie night with my friends.
• With her new promotion, she felt like she had carte blanche to make changes in the department.

verb to think about carefully; to take into account; to regard or treat in a particular way

• When making a decision, it is important to consider all possible outcomes.
• Hey, have you considered going to the new restaurant down the street?
• I never even considered that option, but now I'm starting to think it might be a good idea.
• As an artist, you must consider the emotions you want to evoke in your audience.

noun the ability to predict or the action of predicting what will happen or be needed in the future

• His foresight in investing early in the company paid off handsomely.
• Thanks to his foresight, we were able to avoid a major crisis.
• Who would've thought his foresight would save our butts?
• Her foresight was like a guiding light in the darkness of uncertainty.

noun a hand that is not holding or restricted by anything

adjective not controlled or limited by rules or regulations

• The artist was given a free hand to create whatever masterpiece he desired.
• I have a free hand in choosing which movie to watch tonight.
• My boss lets me have a free hand at work, so I can pretty much do whatever I want.
• She was given a free hand to make decisions on behalf of the company.

adjective characterized by speed; quick or rushed

adverb in a hasty manner

• The hasty decision led to unforeseen consequences.
• I made a hasty choice and now I regret it.
• Don't be so hasty, think it through before deciding.
• His hasty words cut deeper than he intended.

noun understanding of a situation or event only after it has happened

• In hindsight, it would have been wiser to invest in more stable stocks.
• Looking back, I should have known better than to trust him.
• Hindsight is 20/20, dude. You should have seen it coming.
• Hindsight is like a rearview mirror, showing us what we missed along the way.

verb to think about carefully; consider thoroughly

• After receiving the proposal, the board members took some time to mull over the details before making a decision.
• I need to mull over which movie to watch tonight.
• Let's mull over where to grab dinner later.
• She liked to mull over the memories of her childhood.

noun a projecting branch of a tree

preposition indicating location or position on a tree

• The CEO felt like she was out on a limb when making the decision to invest in the new technology.
• I really went out on a limb when I decided to quit my job without having another one lined up.
• I was totally out on a limb when I asked my crush to prom.
• The team was out on a limb without their star player, struggling to keep up with the competition.

noun a thing that may happen or be the case

adjective having the potential to happen or exist

• There is a possibility that the project deadline may need to be extended.
• There's a chance we might have to push back the project deadline.
• The project deadline could potentially be moved.
• The door to extending the project deadline is open.

noun the quality or state of being rational; the quality of being based on or in accordance with reason or logic

• The decision-making process is often guided by rationality and logic.
• Using rationality can help you make better choices in life.
• Dude, you gotta think with some rationality before making a move.
• In matters of the heart, rationality often takes a backseat to emotions.

adverb in a hesitant or unwilling way

• She reluctantly agreed to attend the meeting despite her busy schedule.
• He reluctantly admitted that he was wrong after much persuasion.
• I reluctantly dragged myself out of bed this morning.
• The old man reluctantly let go of his past and embraced the present.

adjective showing firm determination or purpose

adverb in a determined or unwavering manner

• She resolutely refused to compromise her principles.
• He resolutely stuck to his decision despite the opposition.
• She was like, 'I'm resolutely not backing down on this.'
• The old tree stood resolutely against the strong winds, a symbol of strength and resilience.

verb to have a particular opinion, belief, or idea about someone or something

• I think it would be prudent to conduct a thorough analysis before making a decision.
• I think we should grab some lunch before heading to the meeting.
• I don't think we have a chance of winning this game.
• Sometimes I think the universe has a way of guiding us towards our true path.

noun a person who has not made a decision or choice

adjective describing someone or something that has not made a decision or choice

• The committee remained undecided on which candidate to choose for the position.
• I'm still undecided about which movie to watch tonight.
• I'm totally on the fence about going to the party, still undecided.
• Her heart was undecided, torn between two lovers.

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun, in this case 'unsure' describes a state of uncertainty or lack of confidence

• She was unsure about the accuracy of the data presented in the report.
• I'm feeling a bit unsure about going to the party tonight.
• I'm totally unsure if I should text my crush or not.
• His mind was a maze of uncertainties, leaving him feeling unsure about his next move.

verb to waver in mind, will, or feeling; hesitate in choice of opinions or courses

• The committee members vacillated on whether to approve the new policy.
• I can't decide, I keep vacillating between the two options.
• Stop vacillating and just pick one already!
• Her emotions vacillated between joy and sorrow throughout the day.

verb present participle of vacillate, meaning to waver in mind or opinion; indecisive

adjective describing someone or something that is indecisive or wavering

• The board members have been vacillating on whether to approve the new budget proposal.
• She's always vacillating between which movie to watch on movie night.
• Stop vacillating and just pick a restaurant already!
• His vacillating thoughts mirrored the turbulent ocean waves.

noun the act of expressing a choice or opinion in an election or meeting by casting a vote

• Voting is a fundamental right in a democratic society.
• Hey, are you planning on voting in the upcoming election?
• I heard there's a voting party happening tonight, wanna come?
• In a way, every decision we make is like voting for our preferred outcome.

adjective showing or characterized by incorrect or misguided thinking; mistaken

• The committee's decision to reject the proposal was deemed wrongheaded by many experts.
• I think it's totally wrongheaded to cancel the event at the last minute.
• Her plan to quit her job without a backup was just plain wrongheaded.
• His stubborn refusal to listen to any advice is a clear example of his wrongheaded approach to life.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action or state of being

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun

pronoun a word that takes the place of a noun

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

conjunction a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses

• It is important to let your heart rule your head when making important decisions.
• Sometimes you just have to let your heart rule your head and go with your gut feeling.
• Dude, just let your heart rule your head and follow your instincts.
• In matters of love, it's best to let your heart rule your head and listen to your emotions.

adjective An adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun. In this case, 'clear-eyed' describes someone who is alert, perceptive, and able to see things clearly.

• She approached the situation with a clear-eyed assessment of the facts.
• He looked at the problem with clear-eyed determination to find a solution.
• She had a clear-eyed view of the issue and didn't let emotions cloud her judgment.
• His clear-eyed vision of the future guided his decision-making process.