determine

[dih-tur-min]

verb (used with object)

determined, determining 

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)

determined, determining 

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 Word Forms

• interdetermine verb (used with object)
• quasi-determine verb
• redetermine verb
• undetermining 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

The overriding goal of any peace is letting Ukraine survive as an independent nation that can determine its own future.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

His next court appearance is to be determined.

Read more on BBC

She and her companion were detained after police determined she was wanted in Wisconsin.

Read more on BBC

Treasurys in turn play a critical role in determining borrowing costs across the economy, along with the prices of a range of financial assets.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Curfews were determined by when the streetlights came on.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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

When To Use

What does determine mean?

Determine means to conclude, as after reasoning or observing, as in After considering all my options, I’ve determined which college I want to attend.Generally, to determine something is to come to a conclusive decision from a place of authority on the subject.Determine can also mean to cause or control, as in How much homework my teacher assigns will determine whether I can go to the game tonight.Determine is also used to mean to give direction to, as a boss might determine what tasks their employees will do.Example: I have determined that the cause of death was cardiac arrest.