determine

determine
[dɪˈtəːmɪn]
verb
[with obj.]
  1. cause (something) to occur in a particular way; be the decisive factor in
    造成;起决定性作用
    it will be her mental attitude that determines her future.
    决定她前途的因素将是她的精神状态。
    ■firmly decide
    下定决心,决意
    [with infinitive]she determined to tackle Stephen the next day.
    她下定决心第二天要解决斯蒂芬的问题。
    [no obj.]he determined on a withdrawal of his forces.
    他决意撤回他的部队。
  2. ascertain or establish exactly, typically as a result of research or calculation
    (尤指通过研究或计算)探知;确定
    our aim is to determine the electric field.
    我们的目的是要确定电场。
    [with clause]the point of our study was to determine what is true, not what is practicable.
    我们研究的目的是要确定什么是真实的,而不是什么是可行的。
    ■(Mathematics)specify the value, position, or form of (a mathematical or geometrical object) uniquely
    (数)决定出,求出
  3. (Law, archaic)bring or come to an end
    (律 古)终止
语源
  1. late Middle English: from Old French determiner, from Latin determinare 'limit, fix', from de- 'completely' + terminare 'terminate'
英语宝典
考试词汇表