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Definition of "determine" []

  • To decide or settle (a dispute, for example) conclusively and authoritatively. (verb-transitive)
  • To end or decide, as by judicial action. (verb-transitive)
  • To establish or ascertain definitely, as after consideration, investigation, or calculation. See Synonyms at discover. (verb-transitive)
  • To cause (someone) to come to a conclusion or resolution. (verb-transitive)
  • To be the cause of; regulate: Demand determines production. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "determine" in a sentence
  • "The light frequency, f, that we want to determine is too high to be measured directly."
  • "That's the reason he should suffer whatever consequences the voters in his state determine is appropriate."
  • "All a hearing would need to determine is if you are or are not here illegally."