Ascertain: meaning, definitions and examples

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ascertain

 

[ ˌasərˈteɪn ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

inquiry

To find out definitely; learn with certainty or assurance; determine.

Synonyms

confirm, determine, establish

Examples of usage

  • He was unable to ascertain the truth of the allegations.
  • She tried to ascertain the identity of the mysterious caller.
  • The detective ascertained that the fingerprints matched those found at the crime scene.
Context #2 | Verb

scientific research

To determine the properties or characteristics of; analyze in order to discover essential features or meaning.

Synonyms

analyze, examine, investigate

Examples of usage

  • The scientists ascertained the composition of the newly discovered mineral.
  • The research team ascertained the effects of the experimental drug on lab mice.

Translations

Translations of the word "ascertain" in other languages:

🇵🇹 determinar

🇮🇳 निर्धारित करना

🇩🇪 feststellen

🇮🇩 menentukan

🇺🇦 встановити

🇵🇱 ustalić

🇯🇵 確かめる (たしかめる)

🇫🇷 déterminer

🇪🇸 determinar

🇹🇷 belirlemek

🇰🇷 확인하다

🇸🇦 تحديد

🇨🇿 zjistit

🇸🇰 zistiť

🇨🇳 确定 (quèdìng)

🇸🇮 ugotoviti

🇮🇸 staðfesta

🇰🇿 анықтау

🇬🇪 დადგენა

🇦🇿 müəyyən etmək

🇲🇽 determinar

Etymology

The word 'ascertain' originated from the Latin word 'ascertāre', which means 'to make certain'. It first appeared in English in the early 15th century. Over time, 'ascertain' has evolved to signify the act of determining or discovering facts with certainty. The term is commonly used in legal, scientific, and investigative contexts to emphasize the process of confirming or establishing truth.

See also: ascertainable.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,368, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.