Determine vs. Decide: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 18, 2023
"Determine" means to ascertain or establish something after consideration, while "decide" means to make a choice among options or resolutions.
Key Differences
Determine and decide are both verbs that involve coming to a conclusion, but they differ in their nuances and contexts of usage. To determine is often to figure out or ascertain a particular fact or truth by investigating or calculating. For instance, scientists determine facts through experimentation. Decide, on the other hand, primarily relates to the process of making a choice, especially after considering various options.
The word determine often implies a process or method to reach an outcome. For example, one might determine the cause of a problem using diagnostic tools. It focuses on uncovering facts or truths. In contrast, decide focuses on the resolution of uncertainty by making a choice. If you're choosing between two job offers, you decide which one to accept.
Furthermore, while both words denote resolution, determine usually has an external or objective connotation, such as determining a fact, measurement, or outcome. Decide tends to be more internal and subjective, referring to a mental or emotional resolution, such as deciding on a course of action.
Determine can also imply a sense of inevitability or pre-determination. For instance, genetics can determine certain traits in organisms. Decide, meanwhile, emphasizes the act of free will and agency in making a choice. So while circumstances might determine outcomes, individuals decide on their reactions to them.
In summary, while there's overlap between determine and decide, the former leans more towards establishing facts or truths, often through analysis or observation, and the latter is centered around making choices or judgments.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Verb
Definition
Ascertain or establish after investigation
Make a choice among options or resolutions
Implication
Process or method to reach an outcome
Resolution of uncertainty by choosing
Connotation
Often external or objective
Internal, subjective, emphasizing free will
Examples
Determine the cause of a problem
Decide between two options
ADVERTISEMENT
Determine and Decide Definitions
Determine
To ascertain or establish exactly, typically as a result of research or calculation.
Scientists determined the age of the fossils.
Decide
To make a choice from a number of alternatives.
She decided on the blue dress.
Determine
To fix the position of.
Using the stars, sailors determined their latitude.
Decide
To make a final choice or judgment.
I've decided to pursue a new career.
Determine
To settle or resolve.
The jury determined his guilt.
Decide
To resolve or settle.
The court decided the case in her favor.
Determine
To establish or ascertain definitely, as after consideration, investigation, or calculation
Determined the easiest way to reach the summit.
Decide
To cause to come to a resolution.
His speech decided the debate.
Determine
To give direction to by making decisions; devise or control
The school board determines educational policy.
Decide
To reach a conclusion or form a judgment or opinion about (something) by reasoning or consideration
Decide what to do.
Determine
To decide or settle (a dispute, for example) conclusively and authoritatively.
Decide
To cause to make or reach a decision
"The presence of so many witnesses decided him at once to flee" (Robert Louis Stevenson).
Determine
To cause (someone) to come to a decision or resolution
"It was the discovery ... of this very project of hers, which determined him to come forward at once, own it all to his uncle" (Jane Austen).
Decide
To settle conclusively all contention or uncertainty about
Decide a case.
Decided the dispute in favor of the workers.
Determine
To be the cause of; bring about a result regarding
The genes that determine eye color.
Decide
To influence or determine the outcome of
A few votes decided the election.
Determine
(Mathematics) To fix or define the position, form, or configuration of.
Decide
To pronounce a judgment; announce a verdict.
Determine
(Logic) To explain or limit by adding differences.
Decide
To reach a decision; make up one's mind.
Determine
(Archaic) To put an end to legally; terminate under the law.
Decide
(ambitransitive) to resolve (a contest, problem, dispute, etc.); to choose, determine, or settle
The election will be decided on foreign policies.
We must decide our next move.
Her last-minute goal decided the game.
Determine
To reach a decision; resolve
Determined to become a better pilot.
Determined on a course of treatment.
Decide
(intransitive) to make a judgment, especially after deliberation
You must decide between good and evil.
I have decided that it is healthier to walk to work.
Determine
(Archaic) To come to an end through legal means.
Decide
(transitive) to cause someone to come to a decision
Determine
To set the boundaries or limits of.
Decide
(obsolete) to cut off; to separate
Determine
To ascertain definitely; to figure out, find out, or conclude by analyzing, calculating, or investigating.
Decide
To cut off; to separate.
Our seat denies us traffic here;The sea, too near, decides us from the rest.
Determine
To fix the form or character of; to shape; to prescribe imperatively; to regulate; to settle.
Decide
To bring to a termination, as a question, controversy, struggle, by giving the victory to one side or party; to render judgment concerning; to determine; to settle.
So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it.
The quarrel toucheth none but us alone;Betwixt ourselves let us decide it then.
Determine
To fix the course of; to impel and direct; with a remoter object preceded by to.
Decide
To determine; to form a definite opinion; to come to a conclusion; to give decision; as, the court decided in favor of the defendant.
Who shall decide, when doctors disagree?
Determine
To bring to a conclusion, as a question or controversy; to settle authoritative or judicial sentence; to decide.
The court has determined the cause.
Decide
Reach, make, or come to a decision about something;
We finally decided after lengthy deliberations
Determine
To resolve (to do something); to establish a fixed intention; to cause (something) to come to a conclusion or decision; to lead.
I determined to go home at once.
Decide
Bring to an end; settle conclusively;
The case was decided
The judge decided the case in favor of the plaintiff
The father adjudicated when the sons were quarreling over their inheritance
Determine
(logic) To define or limit by adding a differentia.
Decide
Cause to decide;
This new development finally decided me!
Determine
To bring to an end; to finish.
Decide
Influence or determine;
The vote in New Hampshire often decides the outcome of the Presidential election
Determine
To fix the boundaries of; to mark off and separate.
[God] hath determined the times before appointed.
Decide
To influence crucially.
His hard work decided his success.
Determine
To set bounds to; to fix the determination of; to limit; to bound; to bring to an end; to finish.
The knowledge of men hitherto hath been determined by the view or sight.
Now, where is he that will not stay so longTill his friend sickness hath determined me?
Determine
To fix the form or character of; to shape; to prescribe imperatively; to regulate; to settle.
The character of the soul is determined by the character of its God.
Something divinely beautiful . . . that at some time or other might influence or even determine her course of life.
Determine
To fix the course of; to impel and direct; - with a remoter object preceded by to; as, another's will determined me to this course.
Determine
To ascertain definitely; to find out the specific character or name of; to assign to its true place in a system; as, to determine an unknown or a newly discovered plant or its name.
Determine
To bring to a conclusion, as a question or controversy; to settle authoritative or judicial sentence; to decide; as, the court has determined the cause.
Determine
To resolve on; to have a fixed intention of; also, to cause to come to a conclusion or decision; to lead; as, this determined him to go immediately.
Determine
To define or limit by adding a differentia.
Determine
To ascertain the presence, quantity, or amount of; as, to determine the parallax; to determine the salt in sea water.
Determine
To come to an end; to end; to terminate.
He who has vented a pernicious doctrine or published an ill book must know that his life determine not together.
Estates may determine on future contingencies.
Determine
To come to a decision; to decide; to resolve; - often with on.
He shall pay as the judges determine.
Determine
After a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study;
Find the product of two numbers
The physicist who found the elusive particle won the Nobel Prize
Determine
Shape or influence; give direction to;
Experience often determines ability
Mold public opinion
Determine
Fix conclusively or authoritatively;
Set the rules
Determine
Decide upon or fix definitely;
Fix the variables
Specify the parameters
Determine
Reach, make, or come to a decision about something;
We finally decided after lengthy deliberations
Determine
Fix in scope; fix the boundaries of; the tree determines the border of the property
Determine
Settle conclusively; come to terms;
We finally settled the argument
Determine
Find out, learn, or determine with certainty, usually by making an inquiry or other effort;
I want to see whether she speaks French
See whether it works
Find out if he speaks Russian
Check whether the train leaves on time
Determine
To cause (something) to occur in a particular way or have a particular nature.
Genes determine our traits.
Determine
To set limits or define.
Rules determine acceptable behavior.
FAQs
What does "determine" typically mean?
"Determine" means to ascertain or establish something after consideration or investigation.
Does "determine" always imply a methodical process?
Not always, but it often suggests a process or method to reach an outcome.
Is "decide" just about making choices?
Primarily, yes. "Decide" revolves around making a choice or judgment among options.
If I'm picking between two foods, do I decide or determine?
You "decide" which food you want to eat.
Is "decide" a more personal action than "determine"?
Often, yes. "Decide" typically involves personal choice, while "determine" can be more objective.
How does one "decide" on a resolution?
One considers the options and chooses the most suitable resolution.
Can circumstances "determine" outcomes?
Yes, circumstances can determine, or dictate, specific outcomes.
Can "determine" relate to causality?
Yes, for instance, genetics can determine certain traits in organisms.
Can one determine their destiny?
Philosophically, some believe in self-determination, while others think external factors determine destiny.
Can "determine" mean to set boundaries?
Yes, "determine" can mean to set limits or boundaries.
Is it right to say a tool "decided" an outcome?
Not typically. A tool might "determine" an outcome, but "decide" is more about choice.
Does deciding require multiple options?
Typically, deciding involves choosing among multiple options, but it can also be a resolution on a single matter.
Can you "determine" without research?
Yes, though "determine" often implies research or investigation, it can also be based on observation or intuition.
Can a committee "decide" on a policy?
Yes, a committee can decide on, or choose, a policy.
Is "determine" more about facts?
Often, yes. "Determine" often involves establishing facts or truths.
Is deciding always a conscious act?
Typically, yes. "Deciding" involves a conscious choice.
Can external factors "determine" a decision?
While they can influence a decision, the act of deciding remains a personal choice.
Can a test "determine" a diagnosis?
Yes, a test can determine, or ascertain, a diagnosis.
When making a decision, is it an act of deciding?
Yes, making a decision is an act of deciding.
Is "determine" synonymous with "ascertain"?
In many contexts, yes. Both can mean to find out or establish with certainty.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
