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 glaciers have shown some limited signs of loss in recent years, but scientists want to determine whether this is a natural variation or the beginning of a real decline.

Read more on Barron's

By comparing surrounding layers of ash, they determined that the remains date back roughly 404,000 years to a notably warm phase of the Middle Pleistocene Epoch.

Read more on Science Daily

When asked what qualified her to determine the correct dose to administer, she said that over the years she had tested the drugs on herself, "learning what works in what situation".

Read more on BBC

If the court finds against the carmakers, a further trial to determine levels of compensation is expected to begin in autumn 2026.

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A specialised investigation team, including naval personnel, was deployed to determine the cause.

Read more on Barron's

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.