Determined Definition & Meaning - Adjective

American

British

Usage

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Examples

Related Words

Synonyms determined American [dih-tur-mind] / dɪˈtɜr mɪnd /

adjective

1. resolute; staunch.

   the determined defenders of the Alamo.

   Synonyms: unfaltering, inflexible

2. decided; settled; resolved.

3. Grammar. (of a phonetic feature) predictable from its surrounding context.

determined British / dɪˈtɜːmɪnd /

adjective

1. of unwavering mind; resolute; firm

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What does determined mean? Determined means firmly set in one’s decision or course of action, especially with the aim of achieving a particular goal.Someone who’s determined to do something is extremely motivated and unlikely to quit or change their mind. Someone who’s determined in general has a very strong desire to achieve their goals.Someone who’s determined in this way is said to be showing determination—the quality of being firm in one’s purpose.Determined is also the past tense form of the verb determine, meaning to decide or settle in an authoritative way or conclude after observation. The term undetermined uses this sense of the word. Something that’s undetermined has not been conclusively decided or settled. (It’s not used to describe someone who’s not particularly motivated.)Example: I am absolutely determined to finish this race, even if I have to crawl across the finish line.

Other Word Forms

• determinedly adverb
• determinedness noun
• postdetermined adjective
• undetermined adjective

Etymology

Origin of determined

First recorded in 1490–1500; determine + -ed 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The board determined that awarding all three licenses best advances the state’s long-term economic, fiscal, and community objectives.

From Barron's

Who the Americans will face in the opening round will be determined Friday morning when the tournament draw is held at the Kennedy Center in Washington.

From Los Angeles Times

"But by God, we need it – and what came across strongly was that we were all determined to make a difference," she said.

From BBC

Twenty-five years ago, Princeton University authorized me to establish and direct a program in civic education dedicated to helping young men and women become determined truth seekers, courageous truth speakers, lifelong learners and responsible citizens.

From The Wall Street Journal

Stoppard was determined to restore its fun without diminishing its substance.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• decisive
• dogged
• purposeful
• resolute
• resolved
• serious
• single-minded
• steadfast
• strong-willed
• stubborn
• tenacious

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.