Meaning & use

determine

verb·Academic

To establish something precisely by investigation, calculation, or reasoning, or to firmly decide on a course of action.

See it in a sentence

Scientists used carbon dating to determine the age of the ancient bones.

The committee will determine the winner after reviewing all the submissions.

A note on using this word

"Determine" can mean both "to find out" and "to decide firmly," so check context to avoid ambiguity.

Words with a similar meaning

ascertainestablishresolve

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Make it your own

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