determine Meaning & Definition
What Does Determine Mean?
Determine is a verb that means To set the boundaries or limits of. It can also mean To ascertain definitely; to figure out, find out, or conclude by analyzing, calculating, or investigating.
Determine at a Glance
| Part of speech | verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //dɪˈtɜː(ɹ).mɪn// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | ascertain, set and influence |
| Verb forms | determines, determining, determined |
Determine Definition (Verb)
- To set the boundaries or limits of.
- To ascertain definitely; to figure out, find out, or conclude by analyzing, calculating, or investigating.
- To fix the form or character of; to shape; to prescribe imperatively; to regulate; to settle.
- To fix the course of; to impel and direct; with a remoter object preceded by to.
The news of his father's illness determined him to depart immediately.
- To bring to a conclusion, as a question or controversy; to settle authoritative or judicial sentence; to decide.
The court has determined the cause.
- To resolve (to do something); to establish a fixed intention; to cause (something) to come to a conclusion or decision; to lead.
I determined to go home at once.
- To define or limit by adding a differentia.
- To bring to an end, finish; to come to an end, stop, end.
Verb
- To resolve on; to have a fixed intention of; also, to cause to come to a conclusion or decision; to lead.
I determined to go home at once.
- To bring to an end; to finish.
Synonyms of Determine
Antonyms of Determine
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Determine in a Sentence
The news of his father's illness determined him to depart immediately.
The court has determined the cause.
I determined to go home at once.
Word Forms & Grammar
determine (third-person singular simple present determines, present participle determining, simple past and past participle determined)
Words That Rhyme With Determine
Origin of Determine
From Middle English determinen, from Old French determiner, French déterminer, from Latin determināre (“to bound, limit, prescribe, fix, determine”), from de + termināre (“to limit”), from terminus (“bound, limit, end”).
Pronouncing Determine
You say determine as //dɪˈtɜː(ɹ).mɪn//. It has 1 syllable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Determine
What part of speech is determine?
Determine is a verb.
What is another word for determine?
Words with a similar meaning to determine include ascertain, set and influence. See the full list of determine synonyms and antonyms.
What is the past tense of determine?
The past tense of determine is determined. The present participle is determining.