determine
- 01 B1 Intermediate
to discover the facts or the truth about something by looking at evidence.
to ascertain or establish exactly, typically as a result of investigation or calculation.
Simple“The doctors are trying to determine the cause of his illness.”
In context“Forensic experts were called in to determine the exact point of origin for the fire, examining the charred remains for chemical traces.”
UsageOften takes a 'that' clause or a 'wh-' clause as its object.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to be the main reason that something happens in a particular way.
to be the decisive factor in an outcome; to regulate or shape the character of something.
Simple“Your hard work will determine your success in the final exam.”
In context“The level of consumer demand will ultimately determine the price at which the new software is launched in the international market.”
UsageCommonly used in the passive voice to describe causal relationships.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
to decide something officially or to make a very firm plan.
to settle a dispute or question authoritatively; to resolve to take a specific course of action.
Simple“The committee will determine the winner of the competition tomorrow.”
In context“The court must determine whether the defendant acted with intent or was merely negligent in his duties.”
UsageWhen meaning 'to resolve', it is often followed by a 'to' infinitive.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
to bring a legal agreement or a contract to an end.
to bring to a conclusion or end, specifically regarding a legal interest, estate, or contract.
Simple“The lease will determine automatically if the rent is not paid for three months.”
In context“The agreement shall determine upon the death of either party or upon a written notice of thirty days.”
UsagePrimarily used in property law and formal contracts.
Usage determine exactly · determine degree · determine effect
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”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.