determined

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adjective de·ter·mined \ -ˈtər-mənd \

Definition of determined

1 :having reached a decision :firmly resolved

was determined to become a pilot

is determined not to let it happen again

2 a :showing determination

a determined effort

b :characterized by determination

… will deter all but the most determined thief.
—Security World

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determinedly

play \-mənd-lē, -mə-nəd-lē\ adverb

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determinedness

play \-mənd-nəs\ noun

See determined defined for English-language learners

See determined defined for kids

Examples of determined in a Sentence

We are making a determined effort to correct our mistakes.
his determined opponent would not be bluffed or shaken

Recent Examples of determined from the Web

THE Philippine army has been fighting for two full months to take back control of the southern city of Marawi from a violent and determined coalition of jihadist groups.

— The Economist, "Winning the war with IS in the Philippines, but losing the peace," 20 July 2017
But Les Terwilleger, a semi-professional sand sculptor, was determined to make the most of the mound.

— bailey loosemore, The Courier-Journal, "How do you become a professional sand sculptor? Ask this Louisville artist at Forecastle," 15 July 2017
Wednesday's meeting also revealed options that didn't make the cut, including a suggestion for a light rail line, which the task force determined would cost $4 billion.

— tony briscoe, chicagotribune.com, "Lake Shore Drive proposals would shift beaches, straighten Oak Street curve," 12 July 2017
Many, including most academics, insist that culture is itself determined by external conditions, but this is an oversimplification.

— john mcwhorter, National Review, "Stop Obsessing Over Race and IQ," 5 July 2017
One subject was detained and later released after it was determined he was not involved.

— kaitlyn schwers, kansascity, "Sheriff’s crime report: One dead after tractor accident," 28 June 2017
Determined to see Carthage restored to its former glory, Hamilcar made his eldest son, Hannibal, swear lifelong enmity to the republic.

— Smithsonian, "How (and Where) Did Hannibal Cross the Alps?," 28 June 2017
Cameron emerged from the meeting with his standing as board chairman, president and chief executive intact, but shareholders are determined to keep fighting for his ouster.

— jeannette lee falsey, Alaska Dispatch News, "Alaska Native corporation in Sitka faces shareholder uprising as revenues drop and CEO pay rises," 26 June 2017
The tribunal, consisting of an attorney and two judges who did not work for the archdiocese, determined Vanderburgh should receive compensation of $21,600.67.

— dan horn, Cincinnati.com, "Abused by a priest, now a champion of the church," 24 June 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of determined

see determine

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1513

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determined Synonyms

Synonyms

bent (on or upon), bound, decisive, do-or-die, firm, hell-bent (on or upon), intent, out, purposeful, resolute, resolved, set, single-minded, on one's mettle

Antonyms

faltering, hesitant, indecisive, irresolute, undetermined, unresolved, vacillating, wavering, weak-kneed

Near Antonyms

distrustful, doubtful, dubious, mistrustful, skeptical, suspicious, uncertain, unconvinced, undecided, unsettled, unsure; disinclined, indisposed, loath (also loth or loathe), reluctant

DETERMINED Defined for English Language Learners

determined

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adjective

Definition of determined for English Language Learners

: having a strong feeling that you are going to do something and that you will not allow anyone or anything to stop you
: not weak or uncertain : having or showing determination to do something