determination
B2Formal, neutral
Definition
Meaning
The quality of being firmly resolved to do something and not allowing anyone or anything to stop you.
The process of establishing something exactly, typically by calculation or analysis; the formal conclusion of a legal matter.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Has a strong connotation of firmness and persistence. In legal contexts, it means a formal decision or conclusion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Legal usage is identical.
Connotations
Equally positive and strong in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English corpora, but common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
determination to + infinitivedetermination of + noundetermination by + agentdetermination that + clauseVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not typically used in idioms; it is the core noun for the concept]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Her determination was crucial in closing the difficult deal.
Academic
The determination of the sample's chemical composition required precise spectrometry.
Everyday
He showed real determination in learning to ride a bike.
Technical
The determination of the load-bearing capacity followed industry standards.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The committee will determine the outcome tomorrow.
- Factors determining the price are complex.
American English
- The judge will determine the sentence next week.
- What determines success in this field?
adverb
British English
- She walked determinedly towards the door.
- He worked determinedly through the night.
American English
- He marched determinedly into the meeting.
- She spoke determinedly about her plans.
adjective
British English
- She has a very determined attitude.
- They made a determined effort to finish.
American English
- He was determined to win the race.
- She faced the challenge with determined focus.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She showed great determination in her studies.
- His determination helped him learn English quickly.
- You need a lot of determination to run a marathon.
- Her determination to find a job was impressive.
- Despite numerous setbacks, her determination never wavered.
- The success of the project relied on the team's collective determination.
- The tribunal's determination of the facts was meticulously detailed.
- His steely determination in the face of adversity was remarked upon by all observers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TERMINATOR - a machine with absolute DETERMINATION to complete its mission.
Conceptual Metaphor
DETERMINATION IS A SOLID, UNYIELDING MATERIAL (e.g., iron will, rock-solid resolve). DETERMINATION IS A FORCE OF NATURE (e.g., relentless, unstoppable).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'определение' (opredeleniye) when it means 'definition'. 'Determination' in the sense of 'defining' is only used in formal/technical contexts. The primary meaning relates to 'решимость' (reshimost') or 'твердость намерения' (tverdost' namereniya).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'determination for succeeding' (correct: 'determination to succeed'). Overuse in informal contexts where 'persistence' or 'willpower' might be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In a formal legal or technical context, 'determination' can mean:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is almost exclusively positive, denoting admirable persistence and resolve.
'Determination' is positive, focused on achieving a goal. 'Stubbornness' is often negative, implying an unreasonable refusal to change one's mind regardless of circumstances.
No, 'determination' is a noun. The related verb is 'to determine'.
Yes, 'full of determination' is a common and natural collocation.
Collections
Part of a collection
Personality Traits
B1 · 36 words · Describing character and personal qualities.