determine

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.

“Determine” is pronounced dih-TUR-mihn (/dɪˈtɝmɪn/ in IPA).

Here is “determine” used in a sentence: “Tests will determine whether the water is safe to drink.”

“Determine” is a verb.

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").

“Determine” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Determine” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to find out or establish something for certain, usually by investigation.

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.

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.

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.