verb
determine
dih-TUR-mihn
verb
1
To find out or establish something for certain, usually by investigation.
"Tests will determine whether the water is safe to drink."
"The judge determined that the contract was valid."
2
To decide, control, or fix the nature of something.
"Your diet largely determines your energy levels."
How to Use Determine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo figure something out conclusively, or to be the deciding factor behind it.
Common pairings
determine the cause
determine whether
yet to be determined
Word Forms
determined past tense, determines singular
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Tests will _____ whether the water is safe to drink.
Etymology
From Old French determiner, from Latin determinare ("to fix bounds"), from de- + terminare ("to limit"), from terminus ("boundary, end").