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

Other Word Forms

• determinedness noun
• determinedly adverb
• postdetermined adjective
• undetermined adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of determined¹

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

Example Sentences

McLaren have been determined to keep the fight between their two drivers as fair as possible but their approach was always likely to lead to controversy at some point.

From BBC

"After examining the wreckage at the site, it was immediately determined that the cable connecting the two carriages had given way," the preliminary report said.

From BBC

The board determined that immigration judges had no authority to issue bonds because immigrants “who are present in the United States without admission ... must be detained for the duration of their removal proceedings.”

From Los Angeles Times

A White House spokesperson said, “The bank, not the Secretary, determined and classified both mortgages as primary residences.”

From Salon

He said he quickly determined that they needed to get the man out of the wilderness.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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

When To Use

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.