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.
The LAPD’s Juvenile Division is investigating the case, and the Los Angeles County medical examiner will determine the child’s cause of death, Castillo said.
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
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
The isotope analysis helped scientists determine where individuals likely grew up and whether they had moved during their lives.
From Science Daily • May 19, 2026
The standard argument is that this thesis proves that evidence does not determine what scientists hold to be true; consequently, it is claimed, scientific beliefs are primarily shaped by cultural and social factors.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
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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