determination

The ability to keep trying to achieve something, even when it is difficult.

• His determination helped him win.
• She showed great determination during her recovery.
• With enough determination, you can overcome these difficulties.

How to use it: determination to do something (Her determination to finish kept her going.)

Similar words: resolve, persistence, willpower, resoluteness

Opposites: indecision

Common phrases: sheer determination, great determination, determination to succeed

The process or result of measuring something accurately.

• Accurate determination of weight is essential.
• The laboratory repeated the determination of the sample's volume.
• This instrument improves temperature determination.

How to use it: determination of something (The method allows accurate determination of the sample's weight.)

Similar words: measurement

Common phrases: accurate determination, determination of weight, temperature determination

A decision or conclusion reached after careful thought.

• The committee reached a determination.
• We cannot make a determination without more evidence.
• Their determination was that the building should close.

How to use it: determination that… (The board made a determination that the proposal was unsuitable.)

Similar words: decision, conclusion, resolution

Common phrases: make a determination, reach a determination, determination on something

An official legal decision that settles a question or disagreement.

• The court issued its determination.
• Both sides accepted the final determination of the dispute.
• The claim remains open pending judicial determination.

How to use it: determination of something (The parties await determination of their dispute.)

Similar words: ruling, adjudication, judgment

Common phrases: judicial determination, final determination, determination of something

The ending of something, such as an agreement or a period of rights.

• The agreement allows early determination.
• Determination of the lease ended his right to occupy the house.
• Payment is due upon determination of the contract.

How to use it: determination of something (The notice provided for determination of the lease.)

Similar words: termination, ending

Opposites: continuation

Common phrases: determination of something, lease determination

A tendency or force that directs something toward a particular result.

• The force gave the movement its determination.
• He described the river's determination towards the sea.
• The philosopher saw a determination towards harmony in nature.

How to use it: determination towards something (The writer describes a natural determination towards order.)

Similar words: tendency, impulsion

Common phrases: determination towards something, natural determination