1
a
law
: a judicial decision settling and ending a controversy
the court’s determination in that case
documents that will be used for the determination of ownership
b
: the resolving of a question by argument or reasoning
Inspectors made the determination that the building is unsafe.
3
a
: the act of deciding definitely and firmly
also
: the result of such an act of decision
b
: firm or fixed intention to achieve a desired end
a woman of great courage and determination
fierce determination to succeed
4
: a fixing or finding of the position, magnitude, value, or character of something: such as
a
: the act, process, or result of an accurate measurement
more precise determination of the size of the tumor
b
biology
: an identification of the taxonomic position of a plant or animal
5
philosophy
b
: the addition of a differentia to a concept to limit its denotation
6
: direction or tendency to a certain end : impulsion
7
biology
: the fixation of the destiny of undifferentiated embryonic tissue
Synonyms
Example Sentences
What he lacked in talent he made up for in determination.
The new instruments allow for more precise determination of the size of the tumor.
The document will be used for determination of ownership.
Recent Examples on the Web
So much easier to make our determination by checking one single box.
—
Gregg Doyel
Indianapolis Star, The Indianapolis Star, 3 Apr. 2023
Investigators made that determination after reviewing the shooter’s writings, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said in a statement.
—Alex Sundby, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2023
The determination Smith died of a hit-and-run appears to be one investigators questioned at the time.
—Dianne Gallagher, CNN, 3 Apr. 2023
Once consular officials with the embassy are able to access Mr. Gershkovich, the State Department will likely make the official determination that he is wrongfully detained, current and former officials said.
—Vivian Salama, WSJ, 2 Apr. 2023
Moskowitz is encouraged that the SEC made that determination in actions against FTT and a recent suit versus Tron’s currency TRX.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2023
Lockport deputy police Chief Ron Huff said Wednesday the determination is based on the condition of the vehicle and lack of physical evidence of drug use.
—Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2023
The policy leaves it up to the drafter to make that determination.
—Amanda Gokee, BostonGlobe.com, 27 Mar. 2023
But in the same report, Lee warned council members that D.C. financial analysts needed to wait until the end of February to make a clear determination on what tax revenue would be available in the 2024 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.
—Justin George, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘determination.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of determination was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near determination
Cite this Entry
“Determination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/determination. Accessed 13 Apr. 2023.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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de·ter·mi·na·tion
(dĭ-tûr′mə-nā′shən)
n.
1.
a. Firmness of purpose; resolve: approached the task with determination.
b. A fixed intention or resolution: returned to school with a determination to finish.
2.
a. The ascertaining or fixing of the quantity, quality, position, or character of something: a determination of the ship’s longitude; a determination of the universe’s mass.
b. The result of such ascertaining.
3.
a. The act of making or arriving at a decision: After long determination, she decided to move to Utah.
b. The decision reached: It is my determination to sell the house. See Synonyms at decision.
4.
a. The settling of a question or case by an authoritative decision or pronouncement, especially by a judicial body: The choice of a foster home was left to the determination of the court.
b. The decision or pronouncement made.
5. The bringing about of a result or outcome: the determination of hair color by the genes.
6. Archaic A fixed movement or tendency toward an object or end.
7. Logic
a. The defining of a concept through its constituent elements.
b. The qualification of a concept or proposition to render it more definite or specific.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
determination
(dɪˌtɜːmɪˈneɪʃən)
n
1. the act or an instance of making a decision
2. (Psychology) the condition of being determined; resoluteness
3. the act or an instance of ending an argument by the opinion or decision of an authority
4. the act or an instance of fixing or settling the quality, limit, position, etc, of something
5. a decision or opinion reached, rendered, or settled upon
6. a resolute movement towards some object or end
7. (Law) law the termination of an estate or interest
8. (Law) law the decision reached by a court of justice on a disputed matter
9. (Logic) logic
a. the process of qualifying or limiting a proposition or concept
b. the qualifications or limitations used in this process
10. (Physiology) the condition of embryonic tissues of being able to develop into only one particular tissue or organ in the adult
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
de•ter•mi•na•tion
(dɪˌtɜr məˈneɪ ʃən)
n.
1. the act of coming to a decision or of resolving something.
2. ascertainment, as by observation, investigation, or measurement.
3. the information ascertained.
4. the settlement of a dispute, question, etc., as by authoritative or judicial decision.
5. the decision or settlement arrived at or pronounced.
6. the quality of being resolute; firmness of purpose.
7. a fixed purpose or intention: a determination to fight.
8. the fixing or settling of amount, limit, character, etc.
9. fixed direction or tendency toward something.
10. Law. conclusion or termination.
11. the fixation of the fate of a cell or group of cells, esp. before actual morphological or functional differentiation occurs.
12. Logic.
a. the act of rendering a notion more precise by adding differentiating characteristics.
b. the definition of a concept in terms of its constituent elements.
[1350–1400; Middle English (< Anglo-French) < Latin]
Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
| Noun | 1. | determination — the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation; «the determination of molecular structures»
finding discovery, find, uncovering — the act of discovering something identification, designation — the act of designating or identifying something solving, resolution — finding a solution to a problem validation, substantiation, proof — the act of validating; finding or testing the truth of something falsifying, refutal, disproof, refutation, falsification — the act of determining that something is false localization, locating, localisation, location, fix — a determination of the place where something is; «he got a good fix on the target» predetermination — the act of determining or ordaining in advance what is to take place rectification — determination of the length of a curve; finding a straight line equal in length to a given curve redetermination — determining again |
| 2. | determination — the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; firmness of purpose; «his determination showed in his every movement»; «he is a man of purpose»
purpose firmness of purpose, resoluteness, resolve, firmness, resolution — the trait of being resolute; «his resoluteness carried him through the battle»; «it was his unshakeable resolution to finish the work» persistency, pertinacity, tenaciousness, tenacity, doggedness, perseverance, persistence — persistent determination indefatigability, indefatigableness, tirelessness — tireless determination industriousness, diligence, industry — persevering determination to perform a task; «his diligence won him quick promotions»; «frugality and industry are still regarded as virtues» |
|
| 3. |  determination — a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration; «a decision unfavorable to the opposition»; «his conclusion took the evidence into account»; «satisfied with the panel’s determination»
conclusion, decision judgment, judgement, mind — an opinion formed by judging something; «he was reluctant to make his judgment known»; «she changed her mind» predetermination — a mental determination or resolve in advance; an antecedent intention to do something; «he entered the argument with a predetermination to prove me wrong» |
|
| 4. | determination — deciding or controlling something’s outcome or nature; «the determination of grammatical inflections»
deciding, decision making — the cognitive process of reaching a decision; «a good executive must be good at decision making» |
|
| 5. | determination — the act of making up your mind about something; «the burden of decision was his»; «he drew his conclusions quickly»
decision, conclusion selection, choice, option, pick — the act of choosing or selecting; «your choice of colors was unfortunate»; «you can take your pick» appointment, designation, naming, assignment — the act of putting a person into a non-elective position; «the appointment had to be approved by the whole committee» call — (sports) the decision made by an umpire or referee; «he was ejected for protesting the call» move — the act of deciding to do something; «he didn’t make a move to help»; «his first move was to hire a lawyer» casting lots, drawing lots, sortition — making a chance decision by using lots (straws or pebbles etc.) that are thrown or drawn resolution — a decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner; «he always wrote down his New Year’s resolutions» |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
determination
noun
1. resolution, purpose, resolve, drive, energy, conviction, courage, dedication, backbone, fortitude, persistence, tenacity, perseverance, willpower, boldness, firmness, staying power, stubbornness, strength of character, constancy, single-mindedness, earnestness, obstinacy, steadfastness, doggedness, relentlessness, strength of will, resoluteness, indomitability, staunchness They acted with great courage and determination.
resolution doubt, hesitation, indecision, hesitancy, vacillation, irresolution
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
determination
noun
1. A position reached after consideration:
2. Unwavering firmness of character, action, or will:
decidedness, decision, decisiveness, firmness, purpose, purposefulness, resoluteness, resolution, resolve, toughness, will, willpower.
3. An authoritative or official decision, especially one made by a court:
4. Something worked out to explain, resolve, or provide a method for dealing with and settling a problem:
The American Heritage® Roget’s Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations
إصْرار، عَزيمَه، عَزْمتَعْيين، تَحْديد
odhodlanostrozhodnosturčení
beslutningbeslutsomhedstædighed
ákvörîun; úrskurîurstaîfesta, einbeitni
určenie
odločnost
determination
[dɪˌtɜːmɪˈneɪʃən] N
2. (= ascertaining) [of cause, position] → determinación f
Collins Spanish Dictionary — Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
determination
[dɪˌtɜːrmɪˈneɪʃən] n
(= establishment) [rate, level, status] → détermination f
Collins English/French Electronic Resource. © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
determination
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007
determination
[dɪˌtɜːmɪˈneɪʃ/ən] n
a. (of person) determination (to do) → determinazione f (di fare)
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995
determine
(diˈtəːmin) verb
1. to fix or settle; to decide. He determined his course of action.
2. to find out exactly. He tried to determine what had gone wrong.
deˌtermiˈnation noun
1. firmness of character or stubbornness. She showed her determination by refusing to give way.
2. the act of determining.
deˈtermined adjective
1. having one’s mind made up. She is determined to succeed.
2. stubborn. He’s very determined.
3. fixed or settled. Our route has already been determined.
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary © 2006-2013 K Dictionaries Ltd.
de·ter·mi·na·tion
n. determinación, decisión, resolución.
English-Spanish Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
Meaning of DETERMINATION in English
n.
decisiveness
1) to show ~
2) dogged, firm, great, iron, sheer, unflinching, unyielding ~
firm intention
3) ~ to + inf. (I admire her ~ to succeed)
judicial decision
4) to come to a ~ (of a case)
5) the final ~ (of a case)
The Bbi combinatory dictionary of English, a guide to word combinations.
Комбинаторный словарь английского языка Bbi. Руководство по словосочетаниям.
2012
Other forms: determinations
Determination can be a decision, or the focus you need to get something done.
The sense of determination, as making up your mind about something, finds its roots in an Old French word meaning “decision,» such as the judge’s determination that the man was guilty, or the panel’s determination that the chocolate was too bitter. Usually the decision comes after much consideration and research, like when Copernicus made the determination that the earth revolves around the sun. The word has come to mean also grit, gumption, pluck, persistence: «With hard work and determination, they were able finish the school project on time.»
Definitions of determination
-
noun
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
“the
determination of molecular structures”-
synonyms:
finding
see moresee less-
types:
- show 14 types…
- hide 14 types…
-
designation, identification
the act of designating or identifying something
-
resolution, solving
finding a solution to a problem
-
proof, substantiation, validation
the act of validating; finding or testing the truth of something
-
disproof, falsification, falsifying, refutal, refutation
the act of determining that something is false
-
fix, localisation, localization, locating, location
a determination of the place where something is
-
predetermination
the act of determining or ordaining in advance what is to take place
-
rectification
determination of the length of a curve; finding a straight line equal in length to a given curve
-
redetermination
determining again
-
diagnosing, diagnosis
identifying the nature or cause of some phenomenon
-
authentication, certification
validating the authenticity of something or someone
-
documentation, support
documentary validation
-
monetisation, monetization
establishing something (e.g. gold or silver) as the legal tender of a country
-
probate
the act of proving that an instrument purporting to be a will was signed and executed in accord with legal requirements
-
echo sounding, echolocation
determining the location of something by measuring the time it takes for an echo to return from it
-
type of:
-
discovery, find, uncovering
the act of discovering something
-
noun
the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; firmness of purpose
“his
determination showed in his every movement”-
synonyms:
purpose
see moresee less-
types:
- show 6 types…
- hide 6 types…
-
doggedness, perseverance, persistence, persistency, pertinacity, tenaciousness, tenacity
persistent determination
-
indefatigability, indefatigableness, tirelessness
tireless determination
-
diligence, industriousness, industry
persevering determination to perform a task
-
assiduity, assiduousness, concentration
great and constant diligence and attention
-
sedulity, sedulousness
the quality of being constantly diligent and attentive
-
studiousness
diligent study
-
type of:
-
firmness, firmness of purpose, resoluteness, resolution, resolve
the trait of being resolute
-
noun
deciding or controlling something’s outcome or nature
“the
determination of grammatical inflections” -
noun
the act of making up your mind about something
-
synonyms:
conclusion, decision
see moresee less-
types:
- show 12 types…
- hide 12 types…
-
appointment, assignment, designation, naming
the act of putting a person into a non-elective position
-
call
(sports) the decision made by an umpire or referee
-
move
the act of deciding to do something
-
casting lots, drawing lots, sortition
making a chance decision by using lots (straws or pebbles etc.) that are thrown or drawn
-
resolution
a decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner
-
nomination
the act of officially naming a candidate
-
co-optation, co-option
the act of appointing summarily (with or without the appointee’s consent)
-
delegacy
the appointment of a delegate
-
ordinance, ordination
the act of ordaining; the act of conferring (or receiving) holy orders
-
recognition
designation by the chair granting a person the right to speak in a deliberative body
-
demarche
a move or step or maneuver in political or diplomatic affairs
-
maneuver, manoeuvre, tactical maneuver, tactical manoeuvre
a move made to gain a tactical end
-
type of:
-
choice, option, pick, selection
the act of choosing or selecting
-
noun
a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration
“satisfied with the panel’s
determination”-
synonyms:
conclusion, decision, verdict
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘determination’.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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What do we mean by determination?
Firmness of purpose; resolve. noun
A fixed intention or resolution. noun
The ascertaining or fixing of the quantity, quality, position, or character of something. noun
The result of such ascertaining. noun
The act of making or arriving at a decision. noun
The decision reached: synonym: decision. noun
The settling of a question or case by an authoritative decision or pronouncement, especially by a judicial body. noun
The decision or pronouncement made. noun
The bringing about of a result or outcome. noun
A fixed movement or tendency toward an object or end. noun
The defining of a concept through its constituent elements. noun
The qualification of a concept or proposition to render it more definite or specific. noun
An ending; a putting an end to; termination: as, the determination of an estate. noun
Delimitation; the act of setting bounds to or of determining the limits of; specifically, assignment to the proper place in a classification or series. noun
A determining or deciding, as after consideration or examination; specifically, definite or authoritative judicial settlement, as of a controversy or suit. noun
The act of determining, or the state of being determined.
Bringing to an end; termination; limit.
Direction or tendency to a certain end; impulsion.
The quality of mind which reaches definite conclusions; decision of character; resoluteness.
The state of decision; a judicial decision, or ending of controversy.
That which is determined upon; result of deliberation; purpose; conclusion formed; fixed resolution.
A flow, rush, or tendency to a particular part
The act, process, or result of any accurate measurement, as of length, volume, weight, intensity, etc.
The act of defining a concept or notion by giving its essential constituents.
The addition of a distinguishing feature to a concept or notion, thus limiting its extent; — the opposite of generalization.
The act of determining the relations of an object, such as genus and species; the referring of minerals, plants, or animals, to the species to which they belong; classification
Determination is simply not giving up. No matter how hard things get, or how badly you want to just give up, you keep on going. Sometimes you just want to let go, when it seems like what you’re going for is just out of reach, sometimes you tell yourself if what you’re trying to get is worth the great amount of effort that you put in it. When things get hard, you start thinking that its not worth it, and you just want to let it go, but let me tell you this, the more pain and suffering you put into something, the better it’ll feel when you get it.
-Determination is not giving up.
-Determination is not letting go.
-Determination is not «this is not worth it» shit.
-Determination is falling on your face and getting back up.
-Determination is losing feeling on your legs, and wanting to keep on going.
In my words, determination is going until your legs lose feeling, until your arms break, until your head feels like its about to explode, until your brain tells your that your done, and when your brain tells you that your done, you tell it, «Just one more time,» just, one, more, time… Urban Dictionary
A concept that existed millenia before Undertale did Urban Dictionary
Turning the world in to your dance floor, pushing it ’till you can’t and then even more. Urban Dictionary
When you are about to slip away from life, but then your ‘determination’ brings you back. Urban Dictionary
To accomplish a certain task no matter what the odds may be. The will to tell yourself that no matter how bad it is, or how bad it gets, I’m going to make it. Urban Dictionary
The act of doing what nobody believed you could do. Defying all the odds placed against you. Urban Dictionary
Some undertale stuff Urban Dictionary
Determination is what is needed to get a word accepted into urban dictionary. Urban Dictionary
To get determined Urban Dictionary
DETERMINATION is something used in Undertale as a save point of sorts; it is the object in the game that keeps you alive after death. Urban Dictionary