decisive
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decisive
Something that plays the decisive role in a decision or result. It is the most important factor that determines the outcome.
Seine Erfahrung war der ausschlaggebende Punkt für die Einstellung.
His experience was the decisive factor in the hiring decision.
The word is derived from the expression 'den Ausschlag geben' (to tip the balance / to be the deciding factor). This expression comes from old balance scales, where the pointer gave the decisive deflection in one direction.
Die Stimme des Vorsitzenden gab den Ausschlag für die Entscheidung.
The chairperson's vote was the deciding factor in the decision.
'Ausschlaggebend' (decisive) is a rather formal word that is often used in written language, in reports, or in formal discussions.
Für den Erfolg des Projekts war die gute Planung ausschlaggebend.
Good planning was decisive for the success of the project.
When you want to name the area for which something is decisive, you use the preposition 'für' followed by the accusative.
Die gute Vorbereitung war ausschlaggebend für den Erfolg der Prüfung.
Good preparation was decisive for success in the exam.
This adjective is very often combined with certain nouns to name the decisive aspect. Common combinations are 'der ausschlaggebende Faktor' (the decisive factor), 'der ausschlaggebende Grund' (the decisive reason), or 'der ausschlaggebende Punkt' (the decisive point).
Der Preis war der ausschlaggebende Faktor bei unserer Kaufentscheidung.
The price was the decisive factor in our purchasing decision.
important
'wichtig' and 'ausschlaggebend' can both describe that something is very important. 'wichtig' is more general: there is something that should be taken into account or that plays a major role. 'ausschlaggebend' is more precise and stronger: it means the factor that ultimately determines the decision or result. Learners may confuse the words because both sound like great importance. But not everything important is decisive. 'Ausschlaggebend' is the point that really tips the balance.
Für Karim war der günstige Preis ausschlaggebend für die Wahl der Wohnung.
For Karim, the low price was the decisive factor in choosing the apartment.
Im Reisebüro sind genaue Daten für die Buchung wichtig.
At the travel agency, exact dates are important for the booking.