entscheidend
Translation
decisive, crucial, vital, critical
Examples
Das ist ein entscheidender Punkt.
That is a decisive point.
Ihre Hilfe war entscheidend für den Erfolg.
Your help was crucial for the success.
Grammar Patterns
((as an adjective)) decisive ein entscheidender Faktor
Similar Words
Synonyms: wichtig (important), ausschlaggebend (decisive); Antonyms: unwichtig (unimportant), belanglos (irrelevant)
Etymology
From the verb 'entscheiden' (to decide). The prefix 'ent-' (away) and 'scheiden' (to separate) combine to mean separating options to make a choice.
Memory Tips
Think of an 'end' to a 'schism' or division. The decision 'ends' the debate, making it the 'decisive' factor.