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View synonyms for ascertain

ascertain

[ as-er-teyn ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to find out definitely; learn with certainty or assurance; determine:

    to ascertain the facts.

  2. Archaic. to make certain, clear, or definitely known.


ascertain

/ ˌæsəˈteɪn /

verb

  1. to determine or discover definitely
  2. archaic.
    to make certain


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Derived Forms

  • ˌascerˈtainment, noun
  • ˌascerˈtainably, adverb
  • ˌascerˈtainable, adjective

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Other Words From

  • ascer·taina·ble adjective
  • ascer·taina·bly adverb
  • ascer·tainer noun
  • ascer·tainment noun
  • nonas·cer·taina·ble adjective
  • nonas·cer·taina·ble·ness noun
  • nonas·cer·taina·bly adverb
  • nonas·cer·tainment noun
  • preas·cer·tain verb (used with object)
  • preas·cer·tainment noun
  • unas·cer·taina·ble adjective
  • unas·cer·taina·bly adverb
  • unas·cer·tained adjective
  • well-ascer·tained adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of ascertain1

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, variant of acertain, assertain, from Middle French acertain-, stem of acertener “to make certain”; equivalent to a- 5 + certain

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Word History and Origins

Origin of ascertain1

C15: from Old French acertener to make certain

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Example Sentences

Careless reporting, or even engaging in no attempt to ascertain facts at all is not enough to trigger liability, unless the defendant “recklessly disregarded” the truth.

They made notes and took sketches of the surroundings, checked the stars to ascertain their latitude, and sent the coordinates back to the land-survey office in Saint Louis.

Lillie’s study surveyed 561 people to ascertain whether couples who used those strategies were getting on with their partners better during the pandemic, and found that they did.

From Time

Take a deep breath, review your data, and ascertain what is to blame for your drop-in visitors.

In fact, it was the third-most effective predictor of sexual desire levels, behind only a “lack of erotic thoughts” and “fear,” although the researchers couldn’t ascertain why.

From Ozy

Last week, a Politico reporter phoned me to ascertain my thoughts on the new war.

We need a Special Select Committee on Benghazi to ascertain these facts and ensure that such a disaster never occurs again.

However, there is little existing research to ascertain this, or much else.

I try one final time to ascertain with Bradshaw what is in the ejaculatory mix.

For decades, people have been trying to ascertain the difference, but it mostly comes down to a level of taste.

One frequently wishes to ascertain the specific gravity of quantities of fluid too small to float an urinometer.

"We must endeavour to ascertain where Gordon is," replied Mr. Carr, as he re-enclosed the letter in his pocket-book.

No one outside the rebel camp could ever ascertain the exact number of prisoners, which was kept secret.

No one could ascertain exactly in what capacity he found himself near the fighting-line.

The attendant stooped over the bed to ascertain, and nodded in the affirmative.

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When To Use

What are other ways to say ascertain?

To ascertain something is to determine it or learn it with certainty or assurance. How is ascertain different from the learn, discover, and detect? Find out on Thesaurus.com.

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