Definitions
- Used when trying to find out or discover something. - Referring to the process of obtaining information or confirming facts. - Talking about the act of making sure or verifying something.
- Used when making a decision or reaching a conclusion. - Referring to the process of establishing or settling something. - Talking about the act of finding out or figuring out something.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve finding out or discovering something.
- 2Both can be used when trying to establish or confirm facts.
- 3Both can be used in decision-making processes.
What is the difference?
- 1Focus: Ascertain emphasizes obtaining information or confirming facts, while determine focuses on making a decision or reaching a conclusion.
- 2Process: Ascertain implies a more thorough investigation or verification process, while determine can involve analyzing information or considering various factors.
- 3Usage: Ascertain is often used in formal or professional contexts, while determine is more commonly used in everyday language.
- 4Connotation: Ascertain can imply a sense of certainty or assurance, while determine can suggest a process of figuring out or resolving something.
- 5Frequency: Determine is more frequently used than ascertain in everyday conversations and writing.
Remember this!
Ascertain and determine are synonyms that both involve finding out or discovering something. However, the difference lies in their focus and usage. Ascertain is used when trying to obtain information or confirm facts, often through a thorough investigation or verification process. On the other hand, determine is used when making a decision or reaching a conclusion, involving the analysis of information or consideration of various factors. While ascertain is more formal and implies certainty, determine is more commonly used in everyday language and suggests a process of figuring out or resolving something.
