ascertain
to find out definitely; learn with certainty or assurance; determine: to ascertain the facts.
Archaic. to make certain, clear, or definitely known.
Origin of ascertain
1Other words from ascertain
- 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
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use ascertain in a sentence
For the purpose of ascertaining the Board's powers in this connection the opinion of the Attorney General has been requested.
Readings in Money and Banking | Chester Arthur PhillipsAscertaining what had happened, some went to the church, and the governor arrested others.
Meurin had special facilities for ascertaining how men diabolise; the island of Mauritius has enjoyed many privileges of Infernus.
Devil-Worship in France | Arthur Edward WaiteAt least, we can come a good deal nearer ascertaining the latter than the former.
Taboo and Genetics | Melvin Moses Knight, Iva Lowther Peters, and Phyllis Mary BlanchardDuring the passage, which lasted seven weeks, Newton had ample opportunity of ascertaining his situation.
Newton Forster | Captain Frederick Marryat
British Dictionary definitions for ascertain
/ (ˌæsəˈteɪn) /
to determine or discover definitely
archaic to make certain
Origin of ascertain
1Derived forms of ascertain
- ascertainable, adjective
- ascertainably, adverb
- ascertainment, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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