ascertain
verb (used with object)
to find out definitely; learn with certainty or assurance; determine.
was ascertaining
-
past progressiveof ascertain.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
In fact, the hardest part of nabbing this crook was ascertaining whether my dad was telling the truth.
From New York Times ● Dec. 6, 2013
Hotchkiss, still recumbent, was ascertaining the damage, tenderly peeling down his stocking.
From The Man in Lower Ten by Mary Roberts Rinehart
None knew that he was ascertaining the health of a player who had almost killed himself while killing a jinx.
From Pitching in a Pinch or, Baseball from the Inside by Christy Mathewson
These Diggle took aside separately and questioned: it was clear to Desmond that he was ascertaining the strength of the garrison.
From In Clive's Command A Story of the Fight for India by Herbert Strang
"I was ascertaining if the law was properly observed, sir," shaking with silent laughter.
From Hearts and Masks by Harold MacGrath
