ascertain

[ˌæsərˈteɪn]

ascertain Definition

to find out something for certain; make sure of.

Using ascertain: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ascertain" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I need to ascertain the truth before making a decision.

• Example

  The police are trying to ascertain the cause of the accident.

• Example

  We need to ascertain whether the product meets safety standards.

ascertain Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for ascertain

• determine
• establish
• verify

Antonyms for ascertain

• misconstrue
• misunderstand
• mistake

Phrases with ascertain

• ascertain the facts

  to determine the true or accurate information about something

  Example

  Before making any accusations, we need to ascertain the facts.

• ascertain the truth

  to determine the true or accurate information about something

  Example

  The detective was determined to ascertain the truth about the crime.

• ascertain the cause

  to determine the reason or origin of something

  Example

  The investigators are trying to ascertain the cause of the fire.

Origins of ascertain

from Old French 'certain', meaning 'sure'

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Summary: ascertain in Brief

'Ascertain' [ˌæsərˈteɪn] means to find out something for certain, often by verifying or establishing it. It is commonly used in formal contexts such as legal or scientific investigations, as in 'The police are trying to ascertain the cause of the accident.' 'Ascertain' can also be used in phrases like 'ascertain the facts' and 'ascertain the truth,' which denote the determination of accurate information.