What does "determination" mean?
The act of determining, or the state of being determined.; The act, process, or result of any accurate measurement, as of length, volume, weight, intensity, etc.
Determination
noun
noun ·5 syllables ·Very common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of determining, or the state of being determined.; The act, process, or result of any accurate measurement, as of length, volume, weight, intensity, etc.
- Grammar: determination is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: conclusion, decision, absolute indication, academic decision.
- Useful contrasts: be defeated, dithers, doubt.
- Usage evidence: And at times when I became discouraged with trying to reconcile working and bringing up children, it was my husband who helped to maintain my determination.
How to use "determination"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "determination" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "determination" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "determination" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "determination" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "determination" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "conclusion" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "determination", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of determining, or the state of being determined.; The act, process, or result of any accurate measurement, as of length, volume, weight, intensity, etc. countable
"the determination of the wavelength of light"
- 2 the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation wordnet
- 3 The act of determining, or the state of being determined.; The act of defining a concept or notion by giving its essential constituents. countable, uncountable
- 4 the act of making up your mind about something wordnet
- 5 The act of determining, or the state of being determined.; The addition of a distinguishing feature to a concept or notion, thus limiting its extent. countable, uncountable
Show 10 more definitions
- 6 the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; firmness of purpose wordnet
- 7 The act of determining, or the state of being determined.; 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 countable, uncountable
"I am indebted to a friend for the determination of most of these shells."
- 8 deciding or controlling something's outcome or nature wordnet
- 9 Direction or tendency to a certain end; impulsion. countable, uncountable
- 10 a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration wordnet
- 11 The quality of mind which reaches definite conclusions; decisive character; resoluteness; fortitude. countable, uncountable
"Through sheer determination, we managed to escape from the tornado."
- 12 The state of decision; a judicial decision, or ending of controversy. countable
- 13 That which is determined upon; result of deliberation; purpose; conclusion formed; fixed resolution. countable
"The tribunal has reached a determination in respect of this matter."
- 14 A flow, rush, or tendency to a particular part countable, uncountable
"a determination of blood to the head"
- 15 Bringing to an end; termination; limit. countable, uncountable
"If a lease is determined by notice, forfeiture or frustration, all incumbrances will normally end automatically with the determination of the lease and can therefore be ignored."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"And at times when I became discouraged with trying to reconcile working and bringing up children, it was my husband who helped to maintain my determination."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "determination"?
Common synonyms include: conclusion, decision, absolute indication, academic decision, accomplishment, acid test.
How do you use "determination" in a sentence?
And at times when I became discouraged with trying to reconcile working and bringing up children, it was my husband who helped to maintain my determination.
Etymology
From Middle English determinacion, determynacioun, from Old French determinacion, from Latin dēterminātiō. Morphologically determine + -ation.