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determination

noun
de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion | \ di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce determination (audio) \

Definition of determination

1a 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 judicial determinations
b : the resolving of a question by argument or reasoning Inspectors made the determination that the building is unsafe.
2 archaic : termination
3a : 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

a : the definition of a concept in logic by its essential constituents (see constituent entry 1 sense 2)
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 & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about determination

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Examples of determination in a Sentence

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 But in its latest rate determination, the CRB allowed for discounts, saying the family plans can count as one and a half subscribers instead of counting all members of the family. — Ed Christman, Billboard, "NMPA Questions Whether Spotify & Amazon Have Miscalculated, Underpaid Publisher Royalties," 27 Aug. 2019 His colleagues speak of him with a mix of admiration, fear and derision, impressed by his single-minded determination and loyalty to the president, despite an awkward and sometimes off-putting style. — Author: Nick Miroff, Josh Dawsey, Anchorage Daily News, "Stephen Miller has singular control of Trump’s immigration policy," 17 Aug. 2019 The ruling was announced Tuesday and the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday released more detail about what led to that determination. — Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al, "Man killed in shooting outside UAB Hospital was the aggressor, authorities say," 14 Aug. 2019 Wiedefeld said no date has been set and that Metro, not MWAA, would make that determination. — Hannah Natanson, Washington Post, "Metro says stations closed for shutdown will reopen on time next month — unless there’s a really bad storm," 9 Aug. 2019 If that determination is made, the scientists at the lab will also help gather and analyze the evidence. — National Geographic, "Pangolin scales are not a party drug, say researchers," 9 Aug. 2019 The appeal says Miday erred when making that determination. — Evan Macdonald, cleveland.com, "Jeptha Wade’s descendants appeal ruling in years-long land dispute with Cleveland Botanical Garden," 9 Aug. 2019 Judges can make that determination even before the person has had a chance to make his or her case, but the law requires that a hearing be held within 10 days of the person being flagged. — Matt Stout, BostonGlobe.com, "‘Red flag’ gun measure in Mass., now 1 year old, is rarely used," 9 Aug. 2019 So The Wall Street Journal notes that protesters are becoming more desperate and radical in their determination to fight for their way of life. — The Christian Science Monitor, "The green grass grows all around," 9 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'determination.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of determination

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for determination

see determine

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More Definitions for determination

determination

noun
How to pronounce determination (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of determination

: a quality that makes you continue trying to do or achieve something that is difficult
formal : the act of finding out or calculating something
formal : the act of officially deciding something

See the full definition for determination in the English Language Learners Dictionary

determination

noun
de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion | \ di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce determination (audio) \

Kids Definition of determination

1 : firm or fixed intention She set out with determination to complete the journey.
2 : an act of deciding or the decision reached Has the jury made a determination?
3 : an act of making sure of the position, size, or nature of something a determination of location

determination

noun
de·​ter·​mi·​na·​tion | \ di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce determination (audio) \

Medical Definition of determination

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