ascertain Hear it!

ascertain Definition

as·cer·tain (as′ər tān)

transitive verb

  1. Archaic to make certain or definite
  2. to find out with certainty

Etymology: ME acertainen < OFr acertainer < a-, to + certain, certain

ascertain Related Forms
as′·cer·tain·able adjective as′·cer·tain·ment noun
ascertain Synonyms

ascertain

v.

learn, find out, determine; see discover, learn 2. See syn. study atlearn.

ascertain Usage Examples

Object

  • suitability: Special Selection Methods After ascertaining the suitability of the applicant's subject knowledge, applicants are interviewed by a course tutor and subject mentor.
  • extent: Each clause must be considered carefully by the official receiver to ascertain the extent of the supplier's possible claim.
  • feasibility: To ascertain the feasibility of recruiting secondary care trusts to participate in the trial.
  • validity: Part of these arrangements should involve checks to ascertain the validity of training certificates or plant licenses.
  • truth: Here the Tribunal takes the initiative in trying to ascertain the truth.
  • compliance: The owner may also be requested to expose various aspects of work to ascertain compliance with the legislation.

Preposition: with

  • certainty: And the date of that first " Palm Sunday " can be ascertained with certainty.

Used with why or when

  • which: Please consult your waiting staff to ascertain which is suitable for your safe dining.
  • who: Clerk to ascertain who has responsibility for this footpath.
  • what: In the morning I went to ascertain what success had attended his patience.
  • where: The key is to try and ascertain where the value lies, in order to minimize your risk.
  • why: We recommend that the Treasury examine this episode to ascertain why the likelihood of misuse was not more apparent at an earlier stage.
  • when: The true position seems to have been ascertained when the time came to draw up Rimer J's order.

Modifying Another Word

  • accurately: The numbers attending each of these chapels cannot be accurately ascertained.
  • exactly: You should, therefore, read the requirement and ascertain exactly what the question is asking from you.
  • quickly: We were able to quickly ascertain that there was no known rarity or error.
  • reasonably: It indicates that the works have, so far as can be reasonably ascertained, been carried out to the Building Regulation standards.
  • easily: For example, we can easily ascertain a whole range of information about the taking away, or the damage to, property.

Preposition: in

  • advance: Ascertain in advance of commitment that the necessary statutory basis and other legal authorities are in place.

Browse dictionary entries near ascertain

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