determine
Usage
What are other ways to say determine?
To determine is to arrive at a conclusion after reasoning or observation: He determined that there was no available path to victory. To resolve is to show firmness of purpose: He resolved to ask for a promotion. To decide is to make up one's mind as to what shall be done and the way to do it: He decided to go today.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In partnership with the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Heal the Bay researchers will conduct microbial source testing to determine where exactly this pollution originates.
From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026
Imagine police responding to a robbery by obtaining judicial permission to open every safety deposit box in a neighborhood bank, briefly inspect the contents, and determine afterward which customers seem suspicious.
From Slate • May 20, 2026
The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could help determine whether naturally occurring, or "white," hydrogen can become a practical and economical energy source.
From Science Daily • May 20, 2026
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te weighed in Wednesday, declaring that Taiwan’s status isn’t up to China or the U.S. to determine.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026
In order to determine if a certain human trait is part of the brain’s hardwiring, scientists submit it to a set of criteria.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
Vocabulary lists containing determine
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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Vocabulary of the Common Core
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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
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