ascertains

Ascertain is a verb meaning to discover with certainty or to determine something through evidence. Its third-person singular present form is ascertains. The term is common in formal writing—legal, governmental, scientific, and journalistic contexts—where verifiable facts or outcomes must be established before conclusions are drawn or actions taken.

Etymology: Ascertain derives from the concept of making something certain, with roots in Latin certus (certain) and related Old French and English formations that emphasize certainty. The noun form is ascertainment, and the adjective is ascertainable.

Usage: The verb is typically followed by a direct object (ascertain the facts, the cause) or by a clause introduced by whether or that (ascertain whether the policy applies; ascertain that the data support the hypothesis). It connotes a deliberate process of verification, investigation, or careful determination.

Style and nuance: Ascertain is more formal and precise than discover or find out. It is not usually used for emotions or subjective judgments. In casual writing, alternatives like determine or find out may be preferable.

Examples: The investigator ascertains the cause of the accident. The auditor must ascertain whether the controls were bypassed. After reviewing records, researchers ascertained the date of onset.