WordGarden.iodetermine
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /dɪtˈɜːmɪn/
US
- /dəˈtɜrmən/
Meanings
Verb
to find out or establish something by inquiry, reasoning, or calculation
to decide or settle something after considering it
to cause or control what happens or what something is like
More meaningsFewer meanings
to firmly decide to do something
Beyond the definition
To determine something means to figure it out, make a decision about it after careful thought, or establish exactly what it is. A detective might determine who committed the crime, and you might determine which college to attend after weighing your options. It's more than just guessing—it implies reaching a firm conclusion. You can also use determine to mean "decide what happens"; for example, heavy rain might determine whether a picnic goes ahead.
Think of a judge determining a sentence or a scientist determining the cause of an illness. Both involve careful investigation and arriving at a definite answer. In casual talk, we often say "decide" for small choices, but determine often sounds more formal—you might determine the outcome of an election, for example.
The word "determine" carries a weight of decisiveness and certainty. At its core, it means to find something out with accuracy, establish exactly what it is, or come to a firm decision after consideration. For example, "Scientists are working to determine the cause of the disease" implies they are conducting research to reach a definitive answer.
However, "determine" isn't limited to simply finding things out. It also means to bring something about—to influence or control an outcome. You might say, "The weather will determine whether we go camping," meaning the weather conditions will be the deciding factor in whether the trip happens. This usage highlights a sense of power or agency over an event.
"Determine" often appears in formal contexts like legal proceedings ("The jury determined that the defendant was guilty"), scientific research ("Researchers determined the age of the artifact"), or policy-making ("The committee will determine the budget allocation"). It suggests a process of careful evaluation and logical reasoning.
You can also use "determined" as an adjective to describe someone who is resolute and unwavering in their purpose. A determined athlete, for example, won't give up easily. This sense emphasizes strength of character and commitment.
So, whether it's uncovering a truth, making a crucial decision, influencing an outcome, or describing a strong-willed person—to determine is to establish something with clarity, certainty, and often, authority.
Examples
- 1
Travel planning
We need to determine the best route before we leave.
- 2
Investigation
The police are trying to determine what caused the fire.
- 3
Medical decision
The test will determine whether he needs surgery.
- Patterndetermine whether
find out if
- 4
Pay factors
A person's salary is often determined by experience and skills.
- Patterndetermined by + factor
decided or controlled by it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Game rules
In this game, the winner is determined by the total score.
- 6
Legal decision
The judge will determine how much compensation the family receives.
- 7
Personal progress
Small daily choices can determine how quickly you improve.
- 8
Self-direction
Don't let fear determine what you do next.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- determineverb
Forms
- determinedpast tenseverb
- determining-ing formverb
- determinesverb