determine
dih-TUR-mihn
Determine (verb) means to find out or establish something for certain, usually by investigation. Example: “Tests will determine whether the water is safe to drink.”
verb
1
To find out or establish something for certain, usually by investigation.
"Tests will determine whether the water is safe to drink."
"The judge determined that the contract was valid."
"Doctors ran several scans to determine the cause of her headaches."
2
To decide, control, or fix the nature of something.
"Your diet largely determines your energy levels."
"The weather will determine whether we hold the picnic indoors or outside."
"Your answers in the test will determine which class you join."
How to use determine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo figure something out conclusively, or to be the deciding factor behind it.
Common pairings
determine the cause
determine whether
yet to be determined
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- determines
- Past tense
- determined
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Tests will _____ whether the water is safe to drink.
Etymology
From Old French determiner, from Latin determinare ("to fix bounds"), from de- + terminare ("to limit"), from terminus ("boundary, end").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for determine
See all rhymes for determine →Frequently asked questions
What does “determine” mean?
The word “determine” means to find out or establish something for certain, usually by investigation. In plain terms, to figure something out conclusively, or to be the deciding factor behind it.
How do you pronounce “determine”?
“Determine” is pronounced dih-TUR-mihn (/dɪˈtɝmɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “determine” in a sentence?
Here is “determine” used in a sentence: “Tests will determine whether the water is safe to drink.”
What part of speech is “determine”?
“Determine” is a verb.
Where does the word “determine” come from?
The word “determine” comes from Latin. From Old French determiner, from Latin determinare ("to fix bounds"), from de- + terminare ("to limit"), from terminus ("boundary, end").
Is “determine” a common word?
“Determine” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “determine” have?
“Determine” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to find out or establish something for certain, usually by investigation.
What is the difference between determine and decide?
To determine something is to establish a fact by investigation — finding out what is true, such as determining the cause of a fault. To decide is to make a choice between options. Determining is about discovering reality; deciding is about picking a course of action. The two overlap but aren't identical.
What is the difference between determine and discover?
To discover is to find something previously unknown, often by chance. To determine is to establish something for certain, usually through deliberate investigation or analysis. You might discover a hidden room, but you determine its age by studying it. Determining implies effort and confirmation rather than surprise.
What is an example of determine?
Investigators work to determine the cause of a fire — establishing it for certain by examining evidence. A doctor runs tests to determine a diagnosis, and a referee reviews footage to determine what happened. In each case, the word means settling a question through careful inquiry.
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