Choice vs. Decision: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on November 1, 2023
"Choice" involves selecting from options, while "Decision" is the act of making up one's mind about something.
Key Differences
"Choice" implies the presence of options from which one can select, whereas "Decision" signifies the conclusion or resolution reached after consideration.
A "Choice" can often be casual or without much deliberation, while a "Decision" typically involves a process of thought and evaluation of consequences.
"Choice" usually emphasizes the freedom or autonomy of selecting, whereas "Decision" underscores the responsibility and commitment associated with determining a course of action.
In many scenarios, a "Choice" could be between equally appealing options, while a "Decision" often involves a sense of sacrifice or prioritizing one value over others.
"Choice" can sometimes be an intuitive or spontaneous pick from alternatives, whereas "Decision" is commonly a rational, carefully-weighed conclusion.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Selecting from options
Conclusion after consideration
Process
Can be spontaneous
Involves deliberation
Responsibility
Might not involve accountability
Usually involves accountability
Implication
Emphasizes options
Emphasizes conclusion
Emotional Involvement
Can be intuitive or emotional
Often more rational or logical
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Choice and Decision Definitions
Choice
Option
There's a wide choice of colors available for your car.
Decision
Conclusion
After much thought, his decision was to retire early.
Choice
Preference
Italian cuisine is her choice when it comes to food.
Decision
Judgment
The judge's decision was final.
Choice
Selection
He had the choice of multiple candidates for the role.
Decision
Determination
Her decision to study abroad shaped her career.
Choice
The act of choosing; selection
It is time to make a choice between the candidates.
Decision
Resolution
The decision to eat healthier changed his life.
Choice
The power, right, or liberty to choose; option
The teacher gave me the choice between taking an exam and writing a paper.
Decision
Verdict
The jury returned with a decision of not guilty.
Choice
An alternative
With no money, he had no choice but to walk home.
Decision
A conclusion or judgment reached after consideration
Have you come to a decision yet?.
Choice
One that is chosen
That vase on sale looks like an excellent choice.
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
A number or variety from which to choose
A wide choice of styles and colors.
Decision
Firmness of character or action; determination
Is he a man of decision?.
Choice
The right to terminate a pregnancy by induced abortion.
Decision
(Sports) A victory won on points in boxing when no knockout has occurred or in wrestling when no fall has occurred.
Choice
Of very fine quality
Choice peaches.
Decision
(Baseball) A win or loss accorded to a pitcher
Has four wins in six decisions.
Choice
Selected with care; well-chosen
Choice phrases.
Decision
To defeat by a decision, as in boxing
Decisioned his opponent in the third round.
Choice
Expressive of intense disapproval
Had some choice words for the movers who dropped her antique spinet.
Decision
The act of deciding.
Choice
Of or relating to the USDA grade of beef with more marbling than select cuts and less marbling than prime cuts.
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
An option; a decision; an opportunity to choose or select something.
Do I have a choice of what color to paint it?
Decision
(uncountable) Firmness of conviction.
After agonizing deliberations, they finally proceeded with decision.
Choice
(uncountable) The power to choose.
She didn't leave us much choice.
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
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
(baseball) A win or a loss awarded to a pitcher.
Choice
Anything that can be chosen.
You have three choices: vanilla, strawberry or chocolate
Decision
(boxing) To defeat an opponent by a decision of the judges, rather than by a knockout
Choice
The best or most preferable part.
Decision
Cutting off; division; detachment of a part.
Choice
(obsolete) Care and judgement in selecting; discrimination, selectiveness.
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
(obsolete) A sufficient number to choose among.
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
(set theory) axiom of choice.
Decision
The quality of being decided; prompt and fixed determination; unwavering firmness; as, to manifest great decision.
Choice
Especially good or preferred.
It's a choice location, but you will pay more to live there.
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) Careful in choosing; discriminating.
Decision
The act of making up your mind about something;
The burden of decision was his
He drew his conclusions quickly
Choice
Cool; excellent.
"I'm going to the movies." —"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
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 outcome of a game or contest;
The team dropped three decisions in a row
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.
Decision
The trait of resoluteness as evidenced by firmness of character or purpose;
A man of unusual decisiveness
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
Freedom
I respect your choice to choose your path.
Choice
Alternative
Faced with the two roads, she pondered her choice.
FAQs
Are all decisions final?
Not necessarily; some can be revisited or changed.
Does a decision always involve a choice?
Often yes, as decisions usually result from choosing between alternatives.
Are choices always conscious?
Not always; some are intuitive or habitual.
Can a choice be made without a decision?
Choices can be instinctive without deliberate decision-making.
What influences a decision?
Factors like consequences, ethics, experience, and emotions can influence it.
Is decision-making a skill?
Yes, it involves analysis, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
How many options are needed for a choice?
At least two, but there can be multiple.
How does one improve decision-making?
Through reflection, gaining knowledge, considering outcomes, and learning from past decisions.
Can decisions be purely logical?
They can be primarily logical but often involve some degree of emotion.
Are choice and decision interchangeable?
They can overlap but "choice" often involves options, while "decision" is the conclusive judgment.
Can a choice be involuntary?
Choices are generally voluntary, but pressure or circumstances can limit perceived options.
Can choices exist without options?
No, choices imply the existence of alternatives.
Do choices reflect personal values?
Often, as they're based on preferences and beliefs.
Why is decision-making hard?
Due to potential consequences, fear of wrong choices, and complexity of situations.
What's an informed choice?
It's made after understanding all information and implications.
Can choices affect others?
Absolutely, especially in social or familial contexts.
Are quick decisions often wrong?
Not always, but they may lack thorough consideration.
Is it okay to not make a choice?
Yes, sometimes abstaining is a choice in itself.
Are some choices irreversible?
Yes, certain choices have permanent outcomes.
Who makes the final decision in a debate?
Typically, a judge or agreed-upon authority.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
