| 释义 |
indecisive, a.|ɪndɪˈsaɪsɪv|
[in-3.]
1. Not decisive; not such as to decide or settle (a question, contest, etc.); inconclusive.
1726Berkeley Let. to T. Prior 12 Nov. in Fraser Life iv. (1871) 137 The observations you have sent are..so ambiguous and indecisive as to puzzle only. 1798W. Taylor in Monthly Mag. V. 4 An indecisive passage of Deuteronomy. 1855Macaulay Hist. Eng. xix. IV. 275 On the Upper Rhine..an indecisive predatory war was carried on. 1878Dowden Stud. Lit. 134 In place of truth he found only a conflict of indecisive reasonings.
2. Characterized by indecision; undecided; hesitating; irresolute.
1787T. Jefferson Writ. (1859) II. 155 An honester man cannot be found, nor a slower, nor a more indecisive one. 1824W. Taylor in Monthly Rev. CIII. 32 Somewhat indecisive about his future place of residence. 1843Mozley Ess., Ld. Strafford (1878) I. 75 Perplexed and indecisive whether to go forwards or backwards.
3. Uncertain, doubtful; not definite, indistinct.
1816J. Scott Vis. Paris (ed. 5) 339 As if on purpose to render indecisive..the hope of that immortality which is one of the noblest prerogatives of our being. 1822–34Good's Study Med. I. 341 As there is much obscurity in this disease, its medical treatment is indecisive. 1874T. Hardy Far from Madding Crowd II. i. 15 A contrasting prospect eastward, in the shape of indecisive and palpitating stars.
Hence indeˈcisively adv.
1828in Webster. 1869M. Pattison Serm. (1885) 180 Whether Christian or deist, or wavering indecisively between the two. Mod. The first day's struggle had ended indecisively. |