determine

[ dih-tur-min ]

verb (used with object)

, de·ter·mined, de·ter·min·ing.

1. to conclude or ascertain, as after reasoning, observation, etc.

   Synonyms: verify

2. to settle or decide (a dispute, question, etc.) by an authoritative or conclusive decision.

   Synonyms: adjust, resolve

3. to cause, affect, or control; fix or decide causally:

   Demand for a product usually determines supply.

   Synonyms: influence

4. to give direction or tendency to; impel.

   Synonyms: incline, lead, induce

5. Geometry. to fix the position of.
6. Logic. to limit (a notion) by adding differentiating characteristics.
7. Chiefly Law. to put an end to; terminate.
8. to lead or bring (a person) to a decision.
9. to decide upon.

verb (used without object)

, de·ter·mined, de·ter·min·ing.

1. to come to a decision or resolution; decide.
2. Chiefly Law. to come to an end.

determine

/ dɪˈtɜːmɪn /

verb

1. to settle or decide (an argument, question, etc) conclusively, as by referring to an authority
2. tr to ascertain or conclude, esp after observation or consideration
3. tr to shape or influence; give direction to

   experience often determines ability

4. tr to fix in scope, extent, variety, etc

   the river determined the edge of the property

5. to make or cause to make a decision

   he determined never to marry

6. tr logic to define or limit (a notion) by adding or requiring certain features or characteristics
7. tr geometry to fix or specify the position, form, or configuration of

   two points determine a line

8. law to come or bring to an end, as an estate or interest in land
9. tr to decide (a legal action or dispute)

Other Words From

• inter·de·termine verb (used with object) interdetermined interdetermining
• quasi-de·termine verb quasidetermined quasidetermining
• rede·termine verb redetermined redetermining
• unde·termin·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of determine¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old French determiner, from Latin dētermināre “to mark out and fix boundaries,” equivalent to dē- prefix indicating separation + termināre “to bound, limit”; de-, terminate

Word History and Origins

Origin of determine¹

C14: from Old French determiner, from Latin dētermināre to set boundaries to, from de- + termināre to limit; see terminate

Idioms and Phrases

see bound and determined .

Example Sentences

They also employed radiocarbon dating -- a method that measures the decay of radioactive carbon-14 atoms in organic material -- to determine the approximate ages of peach pits and other organic samples, like carbonized tree wood, from 28 archaeological sites and two regional locales where archaeologists previously recovered preserved peach pits.

From Science Daily

Unlike some other counties in California, where daily ballot counts are still changing results in tight races for the House of Representatives that will determine the size of Republicans’ majority in Washington, Lake County did not have many hot contests on the ballot.

From Los Angeles Times

She continued to pursue the research and collaborate with Fitak and others to analyze the DNA samples and ultimately determine that Florida panthers are not especially susceptible.

From Science Daily

"These concentration estimates are the first steps in a larger monitoring effort, with further experimentation needed to determine the effects of time, distance and environmental factors on DNA detection rates," said Bahder.

From Science Daily

Their task at the summit, known as COP29, is arguably the most important one in the world: to determine how to execute and build on virtually every nation’s commitment to reduce fossil fuel combustion to protect humanity from a dire and growing threat.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ascertain
• check
• demonstrate
• detect
• establish
• figure out
• learn
• see
• tell
• verify
• work out