/ ˌæsəˈteɪn; NAmE ˌæsərˈt-/ verb
( formal ) to find out the true or correct information about sth :
[ vn ]
It can be difficult to ascertain the facts.
[ v that ]
I ascertained that the driver was not badly hurt.
[ vn that ]
It should be ascertained that the plans comply with the law.
[ v wh- ]
The police are trying to ascertain what really happened.
Could you ascertain whether she will be coming to the meeting?
[ vn wh- ]
It must be ascertained if the land is still owned by the government.
► as·cer·tain·able / ˌæsəˈteɪnəbl; NAmE ˌæsərˈt-/ adjective
► as·cer·tain·ment / ˌæsəˈteɪnmənt; NAmE ˌæsərˈt-/ noun [ U ]
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the sense assure, convince ): from Old French acertener , based on Latin certus settled, sure.