to conclude or ascertain, as after reasoning or observation. to fix the position of. to cause, affect, or control; fix or decide causally: Demand usually determines supply. to give direction or tendency … Determines definition: Third-person singular simple present indicative form of determine.. de•ter•mine /dɪˈtɜrmɪn/ v., -mined, -min•ing. The size of the chicken pieces will determine the cooking time. determine meaning, definition, what is determine: to find out the facts about something: Learn more. If you determine something, you figure it out or settle a question, like when, after checking paws and hands, you determine that it's not the dog that ate your candy stash, but your kid sister. May 13, 2026 · decide, determine, settle, rule, resolve mean to come or cause to come to a conclusion. decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy. … DETERMINE definition: to conclude or ascertain, as after reasoning, observation, etc. See examples of determine used in a sentence.