determine

/di'tə:min/

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The word "determine" is a verb that means to find out or learn something with certainty, usually by making an effort to investigate or inquire. It can also mean to make a decision about something or to establish something clearly.

Usage Instructions

• Use "determine" when you want to express the idea of figuring something out or deciding on a course of action.
• It’s often followed by a noun or a phrase that describes what you are finding out or deciding.

Examples

1. Finding Out: "I need to determine if she speaks French."
2. Making a Decision: "After discussing for hours, we finally determined where to go for dinner."
3. Establishing Boundaries: "The fence determines the border of the property."

Advanced Usage

In more advanced contexts, "determine" can refer to specifying parameters in a scientific or mathematical sense, like when conducting experiments or calculations. For example: - "The experiment will help us determine the exact conditions needed for growth."

Word Variants

• Determination (noun): The act of deciding something or the quality of being resolute. Example: "Her determination to succeed is inspiring."
• Determined (adjective): Having made a firm decision and not allowing anything to change it. Example: "He is determined to finish his project."

Different Meanings

1. To Fix Boundaries: In a legal or geographical context, "determine" can mean to set the limits of an area.

   • Example: "The new law will determine the boundaries of the national park."

2. To Influence: Sometimes, "determine" means to shape or influence outcomes based on certain factors.

   • Example: "Public opinion can determine the success of a political campaign."

Synonyms

• Ascertain
• Establish
• Decide
• Resolve
• Conclude

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• Determine the course of action: This phrase means to decide what steps to take next.

  • Example: "The committee will determine the course of action for the project."

• Determine the outcome: To figure out what the results will be.

Academic

Verb

1. find out, learn, or determine with certainty, usually by making an inquiry or other effort
   • I want to see whether she speaks French
   • See whether it works
   • find out if he speaks Russian
   • Check whether the train leaves on time
2. settle conclusively; come to terms
   • We finally settled the argument
3. fix in scope; fix the boundaries of
   • the tree determines the border of the property
4. reach, make, or come to a decision about something
   • We finally decided after lengthy deliberations
5. decide upon or fix definitely
   • fix the variables
   • specify the parameters
6. fix conclusively or authoritatively
   • set the rules
7. shape or influence; give direction to
   • experience often determines ability
   • mold public opinion
8. establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study
   • find the product of two numbers
   • The physicist who found the elusive particle won the Nobel Prize

Synonyms

• check
• find out
• see
• ascertain
• watch
• learn
• settle
• square off
• square up
• decide
• make up one's mind
• specify
• set
• define
• fix
• limit
• shape
• mold
• influence
• regulate
• find