"The new city zoning laws were designed to determine how far commercial development could expand into the rural hills."
In plain English: To determine something means to find out exactly what it is after thinking about it or looking at the facts.
"The results will determine whether we pass the test."
Usage: Use "determine" to mean deciding on something after careful thought, such as determining a winner or making a final choice. Do not use it to mean setting physical boundaries or limits, which is a less common secondary meaning.
Example Sentences
"The results will determine whether we pass the test."verb
"We need to determine the best time to leave for school."verb
"The manager will determine who gets the promotion next week."verb
"Please determine if you have enough money for dinner before ordering."verb
The word "determine" entered English through Middle English and Old French from the Latin determinare, which originally meant to bound or set a limit. Its root comes from terminus, meaning an end or boundary, reflecting the idea of fixing something within specific limits.