WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
as•cer•tain /ˌæsɚˈteɪn/USA pronunciation
v.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025- to find out definitely;
get to know: [~ + object]We tried hard to ascertain all the facts in the case.[~ + (that) clause]We ascertained that she told the truth.
as•cer•tain
(as′ər tān′),USA pronunciation v.t.
as′cer•tain′a•ble, adj.
as′cer•tain′a•bly, adv.
as′cer•tain′er, n.
as′cer•tain′ment, n.
- to find out definitely;
learn with certainty or assurance;
determine:to ascertain the facts. - [Archaic.]to make certain, clear, or definitely known.
- Middle French acertain- (tonic stem of acertener to make certain), equivalent. to a- a-5 + certain certain
- late Middle English, variant of assertain, acertain 1400–50
as′cer•tain′a•bly, adv.
as′cer•tain′er, n.
as′cer•tain′ment, n.
- 1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged See learn.
'ascertainment' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):