determine

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈtəːmɪn/

verb

[with object]
  • 1cause (something) to occur in a particular way or to have a particular nature: it will be her mental attitude that determines her future
  • 2ascertain or establish exactly by research or calculation: the inquest is entrusted with the task of determining the cause of death [with clause]: the point of our study was to determine what is true, not what is practicable
  • Mathematics specify the value, position, or form of (a mathematical or geometrical object) uniquely.
  • 3 [no object] firmly decide: he determined on a withdrawal of his forces [with infinitive]: she determined to tackle Stephen the next day [with clause]: my wife had determined that I must swap my old bike for a car
  • 4 Law, archaic bring or come to an end.

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French determiner, from Latin determinare 'limit, fix', from de- 'completely' + terminare 'terminate'