Meaning & use
determined
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Meanings
adjectivecomparableapproving
Having made up your mind to do something and refusing to stop, even when it is hard.
Grammar: Often followed by to + verb or by a noun: determined to win.
Patterns
- be determined to do something
- determined effort
She was determined to finish the marathon.
A determined young man worked two jobs to pay for school.
The team made a determined effort to win.
adjectivebefore a noun
Showing firmness and purpose, as in an expression or action.
Grammar: Describes looks or attempts: a determined look.
Patterns
- determined look
- determined attempt
He had a determined look on his face.
She made a determined attempt to reach the summit.
The determined glare in her eyes said no.
adjectiveafter a verbformal
Settled or fixed by facts, rules, or a decision.
Grammar: Used after be: the date is determined by the board.
Patterns
- be determined by something
The winner is determined by the highest score.
The price was determined by the market.
Eligibility is determined by age.
Word forms
| comparative | more determined |
|---|---|
| superlative | most determined |
Common combinations
- determined to succeed
- He was determined to succeed.
- determined effort
- A determined effort saved the project.
- fiercely determined
- She was fiercely determined not to lose.
- determined look
- A determined look crossed his face.
- grimly determined
- They were grimly determined to finish.
Synonyms and how they differ
- resolute
- Resolute is more formal and calm, stressing firm purpose.
- persistent
- Persistent stresses continuing over time, while determined stresses the decision itself.
- stubborn
- Stubborn is negative and implies refusing to listen, while determined is usually positive.
- tenacious
- Tenacious suggests holding on tightly, like a bulldog.
Opposites
Word family
- determine verb
- to decide or find out
- determination noun
- firmness of purpose
- determinedly adverb
- in a firm, resolute way
- predetermined adjective
- decided beforehand
Commonly confused: determined or deterred?
determined vs deterred
Deterred means discouraged from acting, almost the opposite of determined.
Practice
Though she failed twice, she remained ___ to pass the driving test.
Choose one answer.
Determined to pass means firmly resolved. Deterred is tempting but means discouraged.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “determined”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.