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 results will determine who runs vital public services such as schools, social care, rubbish collection and transport.
From BBC • May 6, 2026
More observations will be needed to determine which scenario is correct and to better understand how such a small, distant object can briefly hold onto an atmosphere at all.
From Science Daily • May 5, 2026
However, even if police decline to file charges, district officials remain obligated to conduct a further investigation to determine whether internal discipline is warranted and to protect the safety of alleged and potential victims.
From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026
They directly shape the medicines patients can access, the jobs communities depend on, the start-ups investors back, and the technologies that determine U.S. competitiveness.
From Barron's • May 5, 2026
This could have been the forerunner of the kind of chronometer that would have been accurate and dependable enough to determine longitude at sea, and Hooke claimed to have worked out how to achieve this.
From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin
![]()
Vocabulary lists containing determine
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Vocabulary of the Common Core
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!