Determined
/dɪˈtɜːrmɪnd/
Definitions
3 meaningsFirm in purpose or resolve; unwavering.
/dɪˈtɜːrmɪnd/
Showing firmness of purpose; resolute.
She was determined to succeed.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to reach a finish line in a race. Being determined means you're not going to give up, even if you're tired, or if things get hard. You're focused on getting to the end! Just like when you decide to finish your homework, even if it's late.
👶 For kids: When you're determined, it means you really, really want to do something and won't give up, even if it's hard!
More Examples
The determined athlete trained tirelessly.
Despite the challenges, the team remained determined.
He is determined to visit France next year.
How It's Used
"Her determined efforts finally paid off."
"The company's determined approach to innovation led to great success."
"The therapist described her client as a determined individual."
To find out or calculate exactly; to ascertain.
/dɪˈtɜːrmɪn/
To ascertain or establish exactly, typically as a result of research or calculation.
The investigation determined the cause of the fire.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game, and you have to figure out the answer to a tricky puzzle. To determine the answer means to find it out or figure it out using clues or experiments. You need to make up your mind using facts to choose the right answer!
👶 For kids: When you determine something, it's like finding out the answer to a question by looking for clues or doing a science experiment to know the answer for sure!
More Examples
Researchers determined the average age of the participants.
The test determined the student's abilities.
Experts determined the value of the painting.
How It's Used
"Scientists determined the cause of the disease."
"The survey determined the public's opinion."
"The court determined the outcome of the case."
To be a decisive factor in, to influence.
/dɪˈtɜːrmɪn/
To cause (something) to occur in a particular way; be the decisive factor.
His early experiences determined his future choices.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're baking a cake, and the recipe determines what ingredients you need and how to do it. So, the recipe determines what kind of cake it will be. In other words, one thing dictates what will happen later.
👶 For kids: When something determines something else, it's like deciding what will happen next. The rules of the game determines the outcome.
More Examples
The environment can determine the growth of plants.
Many factors determine the success of a business.
Your choices today will determine your future.
How It's Used
"Weather conditions often determine travel plans."
"Parental influence can determine a child's future path."
"Supply and demand determine the price of goods."
Idioms & expressions
determined effort
A strong and resolute attempt to achieve something.
"Despite the setbacks, she made a determined effort to complete the project on time."
determined by
Being caused or influenced by something or someone.
"The outcome of the election was determined by the public vote."
From Middle English determinen, from Latin determinare (“to set bounds to, to limit, to define”), from de- (“off, away”) + terminare (“to end, to set limits”), from terminus (“end, limit”).
The word determined has been used since the 14th century, initially derived from Latin and used to define or limit.
Memory tip
Think of a person setting their goals (e.g., a specific target) and relentlessly working towards them.
Word Origin
"end, limit"