determined
Americanadjective
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resolute; staunch.
the determined defenders of the Alamo.
- Synonyms:
- unfaltering, inflexible
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decided; settled; resolved.
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Grammar. (of a phonetic feature) predictable from its surrounding context.
adjective
Usage
What does determined mean? Determined means firmly set in one’s decision or course of action, especially with the aim of achieving a particular goal. Someone who’s determined to do something is extremely motivated and unlikely to quit or change their mind. Someone who’s determined in general has a very strong desire to achieve their goals. Someone who’s determined in this way is said to be showing determination—the quality of being firm in one’s purpose. Determined is also the past tense form of the verb determine, meaning to decide or settle in an authoritative way or conclude after observation. The term undetermined uses this sense of the word. Something that’s undetermined has not been conclusively decided or settled. (It’s not used to describe someone who’s not particularly motivated.)Example: I am absolutely determined to finish this race, even if I have to crawl across the finish line.
Other Word Forms
- determinedly adverb
- determinedness noun
- postdetermined adjective
- undetermined adjective
Etymology
Origin of determined
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Containing determined adversaries requires building a domestic consensus and cajoling allies.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026
The state’s rainfall at the end of the year will be determined by more factors, such as the frequency and strength of atmospheric rivers, than whether it’s technically an El Niño year, he said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026
On Tuesday, Hertfordshire Police said it has sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service and detectives determined there was "insufficient evidence" to bring forward criminal charges.
From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026
Its pilot then flew the plane to an unidentified country and determined the aircraft was not in landable condition.
From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026
Now the child stood pale faced and determined, practicing her pliés.
From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
