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déterminer

to determine, to establish

verb deh-tehr-mee-NEH Less Common
Mind & Emotions Mental States

Origin: Latin determinare

Also means

to cause, to bring about

Usage Note

Déterminer can be used scientifically (déterminer la cause = to determine the cause) or more causally (ce facteur a déterminé sa décision = this factor determined/brought about his decision). The adjective déterminé means 'determined/resolute' as well as 'specific/defined'. The reflexive se déterminer means 'to make up one's mind'.

Examples

"Il faut d'abord déterminer les causes du problème."

Natural Translation

We must first determine the causes of the problem.

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