ascertain
verb (used with object)
to find out definitely; learn with certainty or assurance; determine.
had ascertained
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past perfectof ascertain.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He said he had ascertained that his aunt and two of the children died, but that a 5-year-old survived and was being sheltered in a center for minors.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 28, 2023
In the exercise, one of the A.P.S. trainees had ascertained that Ms. K grasped the basic concept of financial exploitation.
From New York Times ● May 9, 2022
Chinese health officials said they had ascertained that the virus started in an unsanitary food market that was selling wild and exotic animals for consumption.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 22, 2020
On May 21 came reports that European monitors had interviewed the two under unstated conditions and had ascertained they were indeed active-duty infantry.
From Salon ● Jun. 3, 2015
C. E., had ascertained that there was an abundant subterranean flow, and work had actually been started on the proposed tunnel.
From ASCE 1193: The Water-Works and Sewerage of Monterrey, N. L., Mexico The 4th article from the June, 1911, Volume LXXII, Transactions of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Paper No. 1193, Feb. 1, 1911. by George Robert Graham Conway
