ascertain
Find out something with certainty
Examples
In a meeting
“We need to ascertain the root cause before moving forward.”
Over coffee
“Let me call and ascertain what time the store closes.”
Why this word
determine
ascertain emphasizes finding out with certainty through investigation, while determine is broader
discover
ascertain implies deliberate effort to confirm facts, while discover suggests finding something unknown
learn
ascertain stresses verification and certainty, while learn is general acquisition of information
Usage tip
Use when you need to determine facts with certainty rather than guess
Etymology
Latin 'ad' (to) + 'certus' (certain)
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Related words
validate
To confirm that something is correct, sound, or meets requirements.
substantiated
To provide evidence or proof for a claim
uncover
To discover or reveal something previously hidden or unknown
corroborate
To confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding.
detect
To discover or notice something that is not obvious
confirm
To establish that something is definitely true or will happen