Determine
/dɪˈtɜːr.mɪn/noun
To decide or establish something definitely; to cause a result or conclusion.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Latin *terminus*, the god and boundary-stone of limits, so to “determine” was originally to mark out an ending or border in reality.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ter-
“To rub, twist, or bore; the ancient base behind ideas of boundaries and ends.”
Latin
Latin
terminus
“A boundary, limit, or end; also the sacred boundary-stone.”
Latin
Latin
determinare
“To set bounds to, limit, or settle definitely.”
Old French
Old French
determiner
“To decide, fix, or settle.”
Middle English
English
determinen
“To settle, decide, or bring to a conclusion.”
Modern English
English
determine
“To decide or establish definitely; to cause a result.”