Choice vs. Decision — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 23, 2023
Choice refers to the range or act of selecting from options; Decision is the act of making a judgment or finalizing a selection.
Difference Between Choice and Decision
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Choice typically points to the array or set of options that one has in any given scenario. It signifies the possibilities laid out for consideration. On the other hand, Decision focuses on the act of settling on one particular option from the choices presented.
The process leading up to a Decision often starts with a Choice. One first encounters multiple paths or alternatives (Choice), and after weighing them, concludes with a determined path (Decision).
Both Choice and Decision are integral parts of our daily lives, though they function at different stages of judgment. For example, when presented with a menu at a restaurant, the various dishes represent the Choice. After contemplation, when one selects a dish to order, they've made a Decision.
Choice can sometimes imply a luxury or privilege, as not everyone may have various options available to them in every situation. Conversely, Decision denotes responsibility, as it often leads to consequences based on the path chosen.
Comparison Chart
Definition
The act or possibility of selecting
The act of finalizing a selection
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Stage
Preliminary
Conclusive
Implies
Options
Judgment
Responsibility
Lesser
Greater
Outcome
Presents alternatives
Concludes with a path
Compare with Definitions
Choice
A preferred alternative.
Given a Choice, she'd choose chocolate.
Decision
The outcome of deliberation.
The team's Decision was to play defensively.
Choice
A choice is the range of different things from which you can choose. The arrival at a choice may incorporate motivators and models.
Decision
A determined choice.
After much thought, his Decision was clear.
Choice
An act of choosing between two or more possibilities
The choice between good and evil
Decision
A conclusion or judgment.
The court's Decision was final.
Choice
(especially of food) of very good quality
He picked some choice early plums
Decision
A conclusion or resolution reached after consideration
The editor's decision is final
I'll make the decision on my own
Choice
(of words or language) rude and abusive
He had a few choice words at his command
Decision
A conclusion or judgment reached after consideration
Have you come to a decision yet?.
Choice
The act of choosing; selection
It is time to make a choice between the candidates.
Decision
The act of reaching a conclusion or of passing of judgment on an issue under consideration
The judges' decision is taking a long time.
Choice
The power, right, or liberty to choose; option
The teacher gave me the choice between taking an exam and writing a paper.
Decision
Firmness of character or action; determination
Is he a man of decision?.
Choice
An alternative
With no money, he had no choice but to walk home.
Decision
(Sports) A victory won on points in boxing when no knockout has occurred or in wrestling when no fall has occurred.
Choice
One that is chosen
That vase on sale looks like an excellent choice.
Decision
(Baseball) A win or loss accorded to a pitcher
Has four wins in six decisions.
Choice
A number or variety from which to choose
A wide choice of styles and colors.
Decision
To defeat by a decision, as in boxing
Decisioned his opponent in the third round.
Choice
The right to terminate a pregnancy by induced abortion.
Decision
The act of deciding.
Choice
Of very fine quality
Choice peaches.
Decision
A choice or judgement.
It is the decision of the court that movies are protected as free speech.
It's a tough decision, but I'll take vanilla.
Choice
Selected with care; well-chosen
Choice phrases.
Decision
(uncountable) Firmness of conviction.
After agonizing deliberations, they finally proceeded with decision.
Choice
Expressive of intense disapproval
Had some choice words for the movers who dropped her antique spinet.
Decision
(chiefly combat sports) A result arrived at by the judges when there is no clear winner at the end of the contest.
He has won twice by knockout, once by decision.
Choice
Of or relating to the USDA grade of beef with more marbling than select cuts and less marbling than prime cuts.
Decision
(baseball) A win or a loss awarded to a pitcher.
Choice
An option; a decision; an opportunity to choose or select something.
Do I have a choice of what color to paint it?
Decision
(boxing) To defeat an opponent by a decision of the judges, rather than by a knockout
Choice
(uncountable) The power to choose.
She didn't leave us much choice.
Decision
Cutting off; division; detachment of a part.
Choice
One selection or preference; that which is chosen or decided; the outcome of a decision.
The ice cream sundae is a popular choice for dessert.
Decision
The act of deciding; act of settling or terminating, as a controversy, by giving judgment on the matter at issue; determination, as of a question or doubt; settlement; conclusion.
The decision of some dispute.
Choice
Anything that can be chosen.
You have three choices: vanilla, strawberry or chocolate
Decision
An account or report of a conclusion, especially of a legal adjudication or judicial determination of a question or cause; as, a decision of arbitrators; a decision of the Supreme Court.
Choice
The best or most preferable part.
Decision
The quality of being decided; prompt and fixed determination; unwavering firmness; as, to manifest great decision.
Choice
(obsolete) Care and judgement in selecting; discrimination, selectiveness.
Decision
A position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration;
A decision unfavorable to the opposition
His conclusion took the evidence into account
Satisfied with the panel's determination
Choice
(obsolete) A sufficient number to choose among.
Decision
The act of making up your mind about something;
The burden of decision was his
He drew his conclusions quickly
Choice
(set theory) axiom of choice.
Decision
(boxing) a victory won on points when no knockout has occurred;
Had little trouble in taking a unanimous decision over his opponent
Choice
Especially good or preferred.
It's a choice location, but you will pay more to live there.
Decision
The outcome of a game or contest;
The team dropped three decisions in a row
Choice
(obsolete) Careful in choosing; discriminating.
Decision
The trait of resoluteness as evidenced by firmness of character or purpose;
A man of unusual decisiveness
Choice
Cool; excellent.
"I'm going to the movies." —"Choice!"
Decision
The act of making up one's mind.
His Decision was to go to college.
Choice
Act of choosing; the voluntary act of selecting or separating from two or more things that which is preferred; the determination of the mind in preferring one thing to another; election.
Decision
The resolution of a question or matter.
She made the Decision to travel.
Choice
The power or opportunity of choosing; option.
Choice there is not, unless the thing which we take be so in our power that we might have refused it.
Choice
Care in selecting; judgment or skill in distinguishing what is to be preferred, and in giving a preference; discrimination.
I imagine they [the apothegms of Cæsar] were collected with judgment and choice.
Choice
A sufficient number to choose among.
Choice
The thing or person chosen; that which is approved and selected in preference to others; selection.
The common wealth is sick of their own choice.
Choice
The best part; that which is preferable.
The flower and choiceOf many provinces from bound to bound.
Choice
Worthly of being chosen or preferred; select; superior; precious; valuable.
My choicest hours of life are lost.
Choice
Preserving or using with care, as valuable; frugal; - used with of; as, to be choice of time, or of money.
Choice
Selected with care, and due attention to preference; deliberately chosen.
Choice word measured phrase.
Choice
The person or thing chosen or selected;
He was my pick for mayor
Choice
The act of choosing or selecting;
Your choice of colors was unfortunate
You can take your pick
Choice
One of a number of things from which only one can be chosen;
What option did I have?
There no other alternative
My only choice is to refuse
Choice
Of superior grade;
Choice wines
Prime beef
Prize carnations
Quality paper
Select peaches
Choice
Appealing to refined taste;
Choice wine
Choice
The act of selecting between options.
The Choice of dessert was between pie or cake.
Choice
A range of alternatives.
You have a Choice of three colors.
Choice
An option or preference.
My first Choice is the blue one.
Choice
The power of choosing.
It's your Choice to attend or not.
Common Curiosities
How does Decision differ from Choice?
Decision is the act of concluding or finalizing a selection from given choices.
What is a Choice?
Choice refers to the act or range of selecting from various options.
Which comes first, Choice or Decision?
Choice typically comes before a Decision is made.
Can one have a Decision without a Choice?
Usually, a Decision arises from a set of choices, but in some constrained scenarios, decisions can be made without many choices.
Is every Choice followed by a Decision?
Not necessarily, one can have choices but not always decide on them.
Which word indicates more responsibility?
Decision often implies more responsibility due to the outcomes it can lead to.
Can one have multiple Choices?
Yes, Choice often indicates the presence of multiple options.
Is Choice always about good options?
No, Choice can represent both favorable and unfavorable options.
Is every Decision conclusive?
Most decisions are conclusive, but some can be revisited or changed.
Is Choice always voluntary?
No, sometimes choices are presented without one's control or preference.
Can a Decision be forced?
Yes, sometimes decisions can be imposed or influenced by external factors.
Which word denotes finality?
Decision typically denotes a sense of finality or conclusion.
Is Choice subjective?
Yes, what's a preferred Choice for one may not be for another.
Can a Decision be between more than two options?
Yes, a Decision can be made among several choices.
Are all Decisions rational?
Not always, decisions can be emotional, impulsive, or rational.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
