determined

[ dih-tur-mind ]

adjective

1. resolute; staunch:

   the determined defenders of the Alamo.

   Synonyms: unfaltering, inflexible

2. decided; settled; resolved.
3. Grammar. (of a phonetic feature) predictable from its surrounding context.

determined

/ dɪˈtɜːmɪnd /

adjective

1. of unwavering mind; resolute; firm

Derived Forms

• deˈterminedness, noun
• deˈterminedly, adverb

Other Words From

• de·ter·mined·ly [dih-, tur, -mind-lee, -m, uh, -nid-lee], adverb
• de·termined·ness noun
• postde·termined adjective
• unde·termined adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of determined¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; determine + -ed ²

Example Sentences

He is also, clearly, driven by resentment of the West and appears determined not to back down.

From BBC

Deputy chief Michael Rimkunas said the department’s probe is now wrapping up, and investigators have determined no cheating occurred.

From Los Angeles Times

The Medical Examiner’s office confirmed the bones were human but have not determined the identity of the person or cause of death, according to acting Cpt.

From Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Police Officer Kevin Terzes said the death is being investigated as “suspicious” and authorities have not yet determined how the individual died.

From Los Angeles Times

Alcohol responsiveness was determined by a standardized alcohol challenge test using a controlled amount of vodka.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• decisive
• dogged
• purposeful
• resolute
• resolved
• serious
• single-minded
• steadfast
• strong-willed
• stubborn
• tenacious

More About Determined

What does determined mean?

Determined means firmly set in one’s decision or course of action, especially with the aim of achieving a particular goal.

Someone who’s determined to do something is extremely motivated and unlikely to quit or change their mind. Someone who’s determined in general has a very strong desire to achieve their goals.

Someone who’s determined in this way is said to be showing determination—the quality of being firm in one’s purpose.

Determined is also the past tense form of the verb determine, meaning to decide or settle in an authoritative way or conclude after observation. The term undetermined uses this sense of the word. Something that’s undetermined has not been conclusively decided or settled. (It’s not used to describe someone who’s not particularly motivated.)

Example: I am absolutely determined to finish this race, even if I have to crawl across the finish line.

Where does determined come from?

The first records of the word determined as an adjective come from around 1500. The adjective comes from the past tense form of the verb determine.

When something has been determined, this often means that it has been decided or settled in some final or permanent way. When someone is determined, it usually means that they have made a decision to do something—they’ve made up their mind and they can’t be talked out of it. Someone described as determined pursues their goals with dogged persistence. When a task requires hard work, sacrifice, and dedication, it calls for a determined person to achieve it.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms of determined?

• determinedly (adverb)
• determinedness (noun)

What are some synonyms for determined?

• resolute
• firm
• staunch

What are some words that share a root or word element with determined? 

 

• determine
• determination
• undetermined

What are some words that often get used in discussing determined?

• driven
• motivated
• persistent
• achieve
• goal
• student

How is determined used in real life?

The word determined is typically used in a positive way to describe someone as sticking to their goals through hard work.

This movement is full of passionate, determined students willing to fight for change. Happy Sunday!💛

(Photos from New York, Florida, and Connecticut) pic.twitter.com/AYdaQA9FST

— Students Walkout Against Gun Violence (@studentswalkout) February 25, 2018

2020 marks the 5th anniversary of the #GlobalGoals! We can be the 1st generation to end extreme poverty, the decisive generation in the battle against climate change & the most determined generation to fight injustice & inequality. But there’s much work to do & every year counts! pic.twitter.com/wEKP6Mcafl

— Global Goals (@GlobalGoalsUN) September 8, 2020

All human beings have the capacity to be determined and to direct that determination in whatever direction they like. Realizing we have this potential gives us a fundamental strength, enabling us to deal with any difficulty, whatever situation we are facing, without losing hope.

— Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) June 30, 2020

 

 

Try using determined!

Which of the following words could be used to describe someone who is determined?

A. stubborn
B. persistent
C. tenacious
D. all of the above