Definition of ASCERTAIN (original) (raw)
1
: to find out or learn with certainty
trying to ascertain the cause of the fire
information that can be easily ascertained on the Internet
2
archaic : to make certain, exact, or precise
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for ascertain
discovered the source of the river
ascertain implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty.
attempts to ascertain the population of the region
determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely.
unable to determine the origin of the word
unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden.
learn may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told) or it may imply study and practice.
I learned her name only today
Examples of ascertain in a Sentence
We look at digital media—images, audio and video—and we try to ascertain whether or not they've been manipulated. We use mathematical and computational techniques to detect alterations in them. —
Claudia Dreifus, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2007 Currently, an official trying to ascertain road damage in the aftermath of an earthquake might have to keep one eye on the TV news while listening to both radio traffic reports and the police scanner. Since most of these data are available in digital form, the software could take them all in, process them and present a report outlining the best evacuation routes. —Kevin Hogan, Technology Review, April 2002 With an equation linking the money wage to prices, the degree of inflation could be ascertained. —Sidney Weintraub, Modern Economic Thought, (1977) 1993
Recent Examples on the Web Tonto National Forest ascertained that the fire was human caused, but the investigation as to specific intent or error is still ongoing. —Karen Bartunek, The Arizona Republic, 14 Sep. 2024 It has been reported that the couple shelled out either a little over 4millionor4 million or 4millionor6.5 million for the 110-acre property, though an exact amount has not been ascertained. —Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 12 Sep. 2024 Nevertheless, there has been a lack of rigorous clinical trials to ascertain the exact mechanism behind aloe vera’s effects, said Oliver Grundmann, a clinical professor in medicinal chemistry at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. —Karla Marie Sanford, Washington Post, 3 July 2024 My staff produces the budget, which is then reviewed to ascertain what cuts may be needed. —Ric Bradshaw, Sun Sentinel, 23 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for ascertain 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ascertain.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English acertainen to inform, give assurance to, from Anglo-French acerteiner, from a- (from Latin ad-) + certein, certain certain
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of ascertain was in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near ascertain
Cite this Entry
“Ascertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ascertain. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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Last Updated: 20 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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