What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
diagnose
Example
The doctor was able to diagnose the patient's illness after running some tests. [diagnose: verb]
Example
The diagnosis was confirmed after a second opinion from a specialist. [diagnosis: noun]
determine
Example
The experiment was designed to determine the effect of the new drug. [determine: verb]
Example
The judge will determine the outcome of the case based on the evidence presented. [determine: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Determine is more commonly used than diagnose in everyday language since it has a wider range of applications. However, diagnose is an important term in the medical field and is commonly used by healthcare professionals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between diagnose and determine?
Diagnose is typically associated with a formal and professional tone, while determine can be used in a variety of formality levels, making it more versatile in different contexts.
