determine

[ dih-tur-min ]

verb (used with object)

, de·ter·mined, de·ter·min·ing.

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)

, de·ter·mined, de·ter·min·ing.

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 Words From

• inter·de·termine verb (used with object) interdetermined interdetermining
• quasi-de·termine verb quasidetermined quasidetermining
• rede·termine verb redetermined redetermining
• unde·termin·ing 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 NHL will also now be analyzing clusters of positive test samples with whole genomic sequencing to determine specific coronavirus strains.

From Washington Post

The preps-to-pros movement was shut down in 2005, after the league determined that getting a Kobe Bryant or LeBron James a little earlier wasn’t worth sending scouts to high school gymnasiums.

From Washington Post

After determining the spoon’s maker and pattern, she typed that information into the Google “shopping” tab for a second search.

From Washington Post

The new charges could carry a maximum sentence of nearly 30 years, more if it’s determined Keller’s actions resulted in any injuries.

From Washington Post

Trying to determine which bid will maximize your campaign goals without blowing through your budget can be a tough balancing act.

From Search Engine Watch

That strategy has been used in some cases to help determine GMO policy.

From The Daily Beast

The fear of violence should not determine what one does or does not say.

From The Daily Beast

That makes it incredibly difficult to determine the effects of airstrikes, for example.

From The Daily Beast

Where the U.S. once depended on its own forces to determine who was military material, this time the Iraqis will decide.

From The Daily Beast

What does Bondi mean that clerks now should “determine how to proceed”?

From The Daily Beast

How well they have merited that Degree of Confidence is left to the impartial World to determine.

From Project Gutenberg

Its first appearance is not possible to determine and will probably remain unknown.

From Project Gutenberg

Twenty baskets of it were obtained by the said miners to assay and investigate its nature, and determine what it might be.

From Project Gutenberg

It was with great disapprobation that he heard Napoleon accept Caulaincourt's advice, and determine to advance to Moscow.

From Project Gutenberg

More generally the nature of the chattels conveyed determine largely the character of the description.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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

More About Determine

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.

Where does determine come from?

The first records of the term determine come from the 1300s. It ultimately comes from the Latin dētermināre, meaning “to mark out and fix boundaries.”

In legal terms, to determine something is to bring it to an end. The term is normally used at the end of a case or a lawsuit and implies the final conclusion of the conflict between parties. When the court determines something, it can rarely be disputed, except by going through the appeals process or opening a new case.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to determine? 

• determiner (noun)
• determinism (noun)
• redetermine (verb)
• undetermined (adjective)

What are some synonyms for determine?

• ascertain
• complete
• resolve
• establish
• impose

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

• determined
• deterministic
• determiner

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

• cause
• price
• fault

How is determine used in real life?

Determine is commonly used to talk about decisions being made.

i wanna believe the warriors draw straws in the locker room to determine who gets to drop the 50 piece that night

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) October 30, 2018

Blood aint thicker than water and time dont determine loyalty, character does

— Nav (@beatsbynav) November 1, 2018

Age shouldn't really determine anything

— Nash Grier (@Nashgrier) August 11, 2015

Try using determine!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for determine? 

A. elect
B. ignore
C. fix
D. resolve

When To Use

What are other ways to say determine?

To determine is to conclude or ascertain something, as after reasoning or observation. How is determine different from resolve and decide? Learn more on Thesaurus.com.