de·ter·mine
Pronounced:
/dɪˈtɚmən/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
de·ter·mines; de·ter·mined; de·ter·min·ingMeaning:
[+ obj] 1 a : to officially decide (something) especially because of evidence or facts : to establish (something) exactly or with authority ▪ The town has finally determined ownership of the land. = The town has finally determined who owns the land. ▪ The new policy will be determined by a special committee. b : to be the cause of or reason for (something) ▪ The demand for a product determines its price. ▪ He believes that one's personality is determined mostly by genetics. ◊A determining factor is a reason to make a particular choice or decision. ▪ Price was the determining factor in their decision.
2 : to learn or find out (something) by getting information ▪ An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. ▪ They are unable to accurately determine the ship's position at this time. ▪ Scholars have determined that the book was written in the late 16th century. ▪ I am trying to determine what happened and when.
3 formal : to make a decision : decide ▪ They are determining if/whether they should stay. ▪ They determined to leave immediately. ▪ He determined [=resolved] that he would learn a foreign language.
2 : to learn or find out (something) by getting information ▪ An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. ▪ They are unable to accurately determine the ship's position at this time. ▪ Scholars have determined that the book was written in the late 16th century. ▪ I am trying to determine what happened and when.
3 formal : to make a decision : decide ▪ They are determining if/whether they should stay. ▪ They determined to leave immediately. ▪ He determined [=resolved] that he would learn a foreign language.