determination Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
    finding.
    • the determination of molecular structures
  2. noun the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; firmness of purpose
    purpose.
    • his determination showed in his every movement
    • he is a man of purpose
  3. noun a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration
    decision; conclusion.
    • a decision unfavorable to the opposition
    • his conclusion took the evidence into account
    • satisfied with the panel's determination
  4. noun deciding or controlling something's outcome or nature
    • the determination of grammatical inflections
  5. noun the act of making up your mind about something
    decision; conclusion.
    • the burden of decision was his
    • he drew his conclusions quickly

WordNet

De*ter`mi*na"tion noun
Etymology
L. determinatio boundary, end: cf. F. détermination.
Definitions
  1. The act of determining, or the state of being determined.
  2. Bringing to an end; termination; limit.
    A speedy determination of that war. Ludlow.
  3. Direction or tendency to a certain end; impulsion.
    Remissness can by no means consist with a constant determination of the will . . . to the greatest apparent good. Locke.
  4. The quality of mind reaches definite conclusions; decision of character; resoluteness.
    He only is a well-made man who has a good determination. Emerson.
  5. The state of decision; a judicial decision, or ending of controversy.
  6. That which is determined upon; result of deliberation; purpose; conclusion formed; fixed resolution.
    So bloodthirsty a determination to obtain convictions. Hallam.
  7. (Med.) A flow, rush, or tendency to a particular part; as, a determination of blood to the head.
  8. (Physical Sciences) The act, process, or result of any accurate measurement, as of length, volume, weight, intensify, etc.; as, the determination of the ohm or of the wave length of light; the determination of the salt in sea water, or the oxygen in the air.
  9. (Logic) (a) The act of defining a concept or notion by giving its essential constituents. (b) The addition of a differentia to a concept or notion, thus limiting its extent; -- the opposite of generalization.
  10. (Nat. Hist.) The act of determining the relations of an object, as regards genus and species; the referring of minerals, plants, or animals, to the species to which they belong; classification; as, I am indebted to a friend for the determination of most of these shells. Syn. -- Decision; conclusion; judgment; purpose; resolution; resolve; firmness. See Decision.

Webster 1913