# determine

> English word · Verb · IPA /dɪˈtɜː(ɹ).mɪn/ · frequency rank #2,338

## Definitions
1. To set the boundaries or limits of.
2. To ascertain definitely; to figure out, find out, or conclude by analyzing, calculating, or investigating.
3. To fix the form or character of; to shape; to prescribe imperatively; to regulate; to settle.
4. To fix the course of; to impel and direct; with a remoter object preceded by to.
5. To bring to a conclusion, as a question or controversy; to settle authoritative or judicial sentence; to decide.
6. To resolve (to do something); to establish a fixed intention; to cause (something) to come to a conclusion or decision; to lead.
7. To define or limit by adding a differentia.
8. To bring to an end, finish; to come to an end, stop, end.

## Etymology
From Middle English determinen, from Old French determiner, French déterminer, from Latin determināre (“to bound, limit, prescribe, fix, determine”), from de + termināre (“to limit”), from terminus (“bound, limit, end”).

## Easily confused with
- **determined** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/determine-vs-determined)
- **determines** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/determine-vs-determines)

## Common misspellings (13)
`ddetermine`, `deetrmine`, `detemrine`, `deterimne`, `determien`, `determinne`, `determmine`, `determnie`, `deterrmine`, `detremine`, `dettermine`, `dteermine`, `edtermine`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/determine