ascertain

verb as·cer·tain \ ˌa-sər-ˈtān \

|Updated on: 2 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: ascertain in a Sentence

Definition of ascertain

ascertained; ascertaining; ascertains

transitive verb

1 : to find out or learn with certainty

ascertain the truth

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

—

ascertainable

play \-ˈtā-nə-bəl\ adjective

—

ascertainment

play \-ˈtān-mənt\ noun

See ascertain defined for English-language learners

See ascertain defined for kids

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 of ascertain from the Web

Here are some tips for businesses: ▪ Audit your website to ascertain what potential barriers to access may be present.

— carol lumpkin and stephanie moot, miamiherald, "Is your website ADA-compliant? Avoid becoming a litigation target," 25 June 2018
His series might not ascertain Peterson’s innocence, or advocate for specific reforms within the justice system.

— sophie gilbert, The Atlantic, "The Queasy Verdict of The Staircase," 26 June 2018
The policy’s immediate impacts will be difficult for many voters to ascertain, while its symbolism will likely resonate with some Rust Belt residents.

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump Raises Taxes on Chinese Goods, Eyes Foreign Cars Next," 15 June 2018
But to truly ascertain the potential of turmeric, absorption must be improved.

— doug williams, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Turmeric: superfood or superhype," 25 June 2018
So far as can be ascertained this delectable potion is NOT the staple diet of the Esquimaux (check THAT spelling!).

— julia o'malley, Anchorage Daily News, "Alaskana recipe: The historic Alaska cocktail," 22 June 2018
Assuming Winslow carried a phone with him, his location at the time of the crimes could be ascertained.

— michael mccann, SI.com, "Could Kellen Winslow Jr.'s Attorneys Use Football-Induced Brain Injury as Defense for Alleged Crimes?," 16 June 2018
Viktor Brange, who lives in Sweden, helped respond to leaked NSA Windows-hacking tool Eternal Blue by sifting through Microsoft code base, ascertaining the severity of various issues to triage.

— brian barrett, WIRED, "The Elite Microsoft Hacker Team That Keeps Windows PCs Safe," 10 June 2018
The idea has taken hold that citizens discharge their obligation to the republic merely by ascertaining the political leaning of the person raising an objection.

— joseph margulies, Time, "Gina Haspel Ran the CIA Site Where My Client Had Been Tortured. Her Testimony Changed My Opinion of Her," 10 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ascertain.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of ascertain

Middle English acertainen to inform, give assurance to, from Anglo-French acerteiner, from a- (from Latin ad-) + certein, certain certain

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 2

See Words from the same year

ascertain Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of ascertain

discover, ascertain, determine, unearth, learn mean to find out what one did not previously know. discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter.