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ascertain

as·cer·tain

ascertain

 
 
pronunciation:
ae sr teIn
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns, Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: ascertains, ascertaining, ascertained
definition: to come to know (some information) with complete certainty, especially through a process of investigation; determine.
The medical examiner has not yet ascertained the cause of death.Somehow the press ascertained that the prince had plans to marry.[verb + (that) + clause ] The police are trying to ascertain how the thief entered the building.[verb + WH/whether/if + clause ]
synonyms:
determine
similar words:
confirm, discern, discover, distinguish, establish, fathom, find out, learn, pin down, substantiate, unearth, verify
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derivations: ascertainable (adj.), ascertainably (adv.), ascertainment (n.)
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