ascertain
Translation
to ascertain, to find out, to determine
Examples
The police tried to ascertain the cause of the fire.
The police tried to ascertain the cause of the fire.
Can you ascertain if he is coming to the meeting?
Can you ascertain if he is coming to the meeting?
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to find (sth.) out for certain The police tried to ascertain the cause of the fire.
((if/whether-clause)) to find out for certain (if/whether...) Can you ascertain if he is coming?
Similar Words
Synonyms: determine, discover, find out, verify
Etymology
From Old French 'acertainer' (to make sure), from 'a-' (to) + 'certain' (sure, certain). Literally, 'to make certain'.
Memory Tips
Think of making something 'as certain' as possible.