Determinere

Determinere is a verb used in several Scandinavian languages, notably Danish and Norwegian, and has a cognate form in Swedish (determinera). It means to determine, decide, establish, or identify, depending on the context. The verb is formed from the Latin determinare, itself from de- ’thoroughly’ and terminare ’to bound, end’.

In usage, determinere functions as a general-purpose term for making determinations or decisions, and for ascertaining characteristics or values. In biology, a common sense is to identify or classify an organism, as in determining the species of a specimen. In mathematics, statistics, and science, it may refer to determining a value, parameter, or outcome, such as determinere parameterer (to determine the parameters) or determinere om en påstand er sann (to determine whether a claim is true). In law or policy, it can mean to decide or establish a rule or outcome. The verb is transitive and can take a direct object (to determine something) or a clause (to determine whether/if).

Etymology traces determinere to Latin determinare, reflecting the notion of setting boundaries, limits, or conditions. Related terms in the Nordic languages include determiner or determination in some contexts, and the English determinant is a distinct mathematical or linguistic noun. While determinere is standard in Danish and Norwegian, Swedish commonly uses determinera with the same core meaning.

See also: determinism, determination, determinant.