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determine

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The definition of determine is to set limits, make a decision or find out exactly.

(verb)

An example of determine is measuring a piece of fabric before cutting it to size.
An example of determine is deciding to paint your house a certain color.

See determine in Webster's New World College Dictionary

to set limits to; bound; define
to settle (a dispute, question, etc.) conclusively; decide
to reach a decision about after thought and investigation; decide upon
to establish or affect the nature, kind, or quality of; fix: genes determine heredity
to find out exactly; calculate precisely; ascertain: to determine a ship's position
to give direction to; shape or affect
Law to end; terminate

Origin: ME determinen < OFr determiner < L determinare, to bound, limit < de-, from + terminare, to set bounds < terminus, an end: see term

intransitive verb

to decide; resolve
Law to come to an end

See determine in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb de·ter·mined, de·ter·min·ing, de·ter·mines

verb, transitive

a. To decide or settle (a dispute, for example) conclusively and authoritatively.
b. To end or decide, as by judicial action.
To establish or ascertain definitely, as after consideration, investigation, or calculation. See Synonyms at discover.
To cause (someone) to come to a conclusion or resolution.
To be the cause of; regulate: Demand determines production.
To give direction to: The management committee determines departmental policy.
To limit in scope or extent.
Mathematics To fix or define the position, form, or configuration of.
Logic To explain or limit by adding differences.
Law To put an end to; terminate.