| / English Dictionary |
INDECISION
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
The trait of irresolution; a lack of firmness of character or purpose
Example:
the king's incurable indecisiveness caused turmoil in his court
Synonyms:
Classified under:
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects
Hypernyms ("indecision" is a kind of...):
irresoluteness; irresolution (the trait of being irresolute; lacking firmness of purpose)
Antonym:
decision (the trait of resoluteness as evidenced by firmness of character or purpose)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Doubt concerning two or more possible alternatives or courses of action
Example:
his indecision was only momentary but the opportunity was lost
Synonyms:
indecision; indecisiveness; irresolution
Classified under:
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents
Hypernyms ("indecision" is a kind of...):
doubt; doubtfulness; dubiety; dubiousness; incertitude; uncertainty (the state of being unsure of something)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "indecision"):
hesitation; vacillation; wavering (indecision in speech or action)
Context examples:
Sir Walter would quit Kellynch Hall; and after a very few days more of doubt and indecision, the great question of whither he should go was settled, and the first outline of this important change made out.
(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)
My opinion is, said Peggotty, taking her eyes from me, after a little indecision and going on with her work, that I never was married myself, Master Davy, and that I don't expect to be.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
I could see that the unfortunate doctor was in the last stage of indecision, from which he was rescued by the deep, sonorous voice of the red-bearded Duke, which boomed out like a dinner-gong.
(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
I could have thought him the old Wolf Larsen, and yet there was in his movements a vague suggestion of weakness and indecision.
(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)
Madge took advantage of his indecision.
(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)
Here Fanny interposed, however, with anxious protestations of her own equal ignorance; she had never played the game nor seen it played in her life; and Lady Bertram felt a moment's indecision again; but upon everybody's assuring her that nothing could be so easy, that it was the easiest game on the cards, and Henry Crawford's stepping forward with a most earnest request to be allowed to sit between her ladyship and Miss Price, and teach them both, it was so settled; and Sir Thomas, Mrs. Norris, and Dr. and Mrs. Grant being seated at the table of prime intellectual state and dignity, the remaining six, under Miss Crawford's direction, were arranged round the other.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
But there was that in him deeper than all the law he had learned, than the customs that had moulded him, than his love for the master, than the very will to live of himself; and when, in the moment of his indecision, Collie nipped him and scampered off, he turned and followed after.
(White Fang, by Jack London)
He started for the companion-way, and stepped forward quite as I had been accustomed to see him do; and yet again, in his very walk, there seemed that suggestion of weakness and indecision.
(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)
When he entered he found the other man waiting, standing near the stove, a certain stiff awkwardness and indecision in his manner.
(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)
She noted his indecision, and added, "Besides, I'll go with you and help."
(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)
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