determine
The scientists will determine the cause of the outbreak.
They will find out what caused the outbreak.
to find out something for certain
The test will determine whether the patient has the disease.
The test will find out if the patient has the disease.
Often used in formal or scientific contexts.
to decide something officially or authoritatively
The court will determine the outcome of the case.
The court will officially decide the result of the case.
Used in legal or administrative contexts.
Collocations
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal
Use 'determine' in formal contexts; for casual speech, 'find out' or 'decide' may be more natural.
Gold Rule
Transitive Use
'Determine' is typically transitive - it requires an object (e.g., 'determine the cause').
Word Origin
From Middle English 'determinen', from Old French 'determiner', from Latin 'determinare' (to limit, define).
Usage Notes
Can be used both transitively (with an object) and intransitively (without an object).