ascertain
[ as-er-teyn ]
/ ˌæs ərˈteɪn /
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verb (used with object)
to find out definitely; learn with certainty or assurance; determine: to ascertain the facts.
Archaic. to make certain, clear, or definitely known.
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!
Were you ready for a quiz on this topic? Well, here it is! See how well you can differentiate between the uses of "was" vs. "were" in this quiz.
Question 1 of 7
“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.
Origin of ascertain
OTHER WORDS FROM ascertain
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use ascertain in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for ascertain
ascertain
/ (ˌæsəˈteɪn) /
verb (tr)
to determine or discover definitely
archaic to make certain
Derived forms of ascertain
ascertainable, adjectiveascertainably, adverbascertainment, nounWord Origin for ascertain
C15: from Old French acertener to make certain
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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