determine

[dih-tur-min] /dɪˈtɜr mɪn/
verb (used with object), determined, determining.
1.
to settle or decide (a dispute, question, etc.) by an authoritative or conclusive decision.
2.
to conclude or ascertain, as after reasoning, observation, etc.
3.
Geometry. to fix the position of.
4.
to cause, affect, or control; fix or decide causally:
Demand for a product usually determines supply.
5.
to give direction or tendency to; impel.
6.
Logic. to limit (a notion) by adding differentiating characteristics.
7.
Chiefly Law. to put an end to; terminate.
8.
to lead or bring (a person) to a decision.
9.
to decide upon.
verb (used without object), determined, determining.
10.
to come to a decision or resolution; decide.
11.
Chiefly Law. to come to an end.
Origin
1325-75; Middle English determinen < Anglo-French, Old French determiner < Latin dētermināre, equivalent to dē- de- + termināre to bound, limit; see terminate
Related forms
interdetermine, verb (used with object), interdetermined, interdetermining.
quasi-determine, verb, quasi-determined, quasi-determining.
redetermine, verb, redetermined, redetermining.
undetermining, adjective
Synonyms
1. resolve, adjust. See decide. 2. verify. 4. influence. 5. induce, lead, incline.
Examples from the web for determine
  • Readers answer diagnostic questions to determine which lesson might be theirs.
  • Often, these studies determine heritability by estimating the degree of resemblance between relatives.
  • However, I was disappointed not to find a scale to determine their size.
  • Let time and chance determine.
  • The time interval between the radar pulse and its echo can be used to determine the distance of the ship from earth.
  • One way to determine the dew point is with a chilled mirror hygrometer.
  • However, it takes only a few minutes to determine these values for the type of paper and developer you use.
  • Consequently, it is customary to determine the purchase price by a formula based on earnings, book value or a combination of both.
  • Tonight's game will determine the winners.
  • Students can set up experiments to determine which laundry detergent makes the strongest bubbles.
British Dictionary definitions for determine

determine

/dɪˈtɜːmɪn/
verb
1.
to settle or decide (an argument, question, etc) conclusively, as by referring to an authority
2.
(transitive) to ascertain or conclude, esp after observation or consideration
3.
(transitive) to shape or influence; give direction to: experience often determines ability
4.
(transitive) to fix in scope, extent, variety, etc: the river determined the edge of the property
5.
to make or cause to make a decision: he determined never to marry
6.
(transitive) (logic) to define or limit (a notion) by adding or requiring certain features or characteristics
7.
(transitive) (geometry) to fix or specify the position, form, or configuration of: two points determine a line
8.
(mainly law) to come or bring to an end, as an estate or interest in land
9.
(transitive) to decide (a legal action or dispute)
Word Origin
C14: from Old French determiner, from Latin dētermināre to set boundaries to, from de- + termināre to limit; see terminate
Word Origin and History for determine
v.

mid-14c., "to come to an end," also "to settle, decide" (late 14c.), from Old French determiner (12c.) or directly from Latin determinare "to enclose, bound, set limits to," from de- "off" (see de-) + terminare "to mark the end or boundary," from terminus "end, limit" (see terminus). Sense of "coming to a firm decision" (to do something) is from mid-15c. Related: Determined; determining; determiner.

Idioms and Phrases with determine

determine

see: bound and determined