# determine

/dəˈtɝmən/ (US) · /dɪtˈɜːmɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/determine
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to find out facts

verb · CEFR B1

to discover the facts or the truth about something by looking at evidence.

For teachers: to ascertain or establish exactly, typically as a result of investigation or calculation.

- The doctors are trying to determine the cause of his illness.
- Forensic experts were called in to determine the exact point of origin for the fire, examining the charred remains for chemical traces.

Usage: Often takes a 'that' clause or a 'wh-' clause as its object.

### 2. to influence or decide

verb · CEFR B2

to be the main reason that something happens in a particular way.

For teachers: to be the decisive factor in an outcome; to regulate or shape the character of something.

- Your hard work will determine your success in the final exam.
- The level of consumer demand will ultimately determine the price at which the new software is launched in the international market.

Usage: Commonly used in the passive voice to describe causal relationships.

### 3. to make a firm decision

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

to decide something officially or to make a very firm plan.

For teachers: to settle a dispute or question authoritatively; to resolve to take a specific course of action.

- The committee will determine the winner of the competition tomorrow.
- The court must determine whether the defendant acted with intent or was merely negligent in his duties.

Usage: When meaning 'to resolve', it is often followed by a 'to' infinitive.

### 4. to end a legal agreement

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

to bring a legal agreement or a contract to an end.

For teachers: to bring to a conclusion or end, specifically regarding a legal interest, estate, or contract.

- The lease will determine automatically if the rent is not paid for three months.
- The agreement shall determine upon the death of either party or upon a written notice of thirty days.

Usage: Primarily used in property law and formal contracts.

## Examples

- The doctors are trying to determine the cause of his illness.
- The committee will meet tomorrow to determine which candidate is best suited for the leadership role.
- While several factors influence the market, consumer demand will ultimately determine whether the new product line succeeds or fails in the long term.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.