Spanish word

determinar

Pronunciation

IPA/deteɾmiˈnaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbdetermine, decide

Example

Tenemos que determinar qué hacer ahora.

We have to determine what to do now.

Illustration for determinar (determine)

More examples

Antes de firmar, hay que determinar las condiciones del contrato.

Before signing, you need to determine the terms of the contract.

Core concept

A conclusively established value or decision after analysis.

Common phrases

  • determinar si

    determine if

  • determinar la ruta

    determine the course

Similar words

decidir: Chooses one option from several alternatives.
fijar: Fixes a date, position, or parameter so it cannot be changed.
establecer: Establishes a formal system, rule, or standard as official.
concretar: Specifies and finalizes the concrete details of a plan.

Definition in Spanish

Fijar o decidir algo con carácter definitivo, especialmente tras análisis o medición.

Word origin

From Latin determinare (de- + termin- 'boundary' + -are), literally 'to set a boundary', which developed the sense 'to establish or define conclusively'.

Usage tips

  • More common in scientific, medical, or legal contexts to mean 'establish by analysis', while decidir remains the usual verb for everyday personal choices.

Other meanings

  • establishverb

Opposites

  • hesitarhesitateverb

Related words

Word lists with this word