ascertain
UK: ˌæsəˈteɪn | US: ˌæsərˈteɪn
vt. to find out or learn something with certainty
vt. to make sure of something through examination or investigation
The word "ascertain" emerged in late Middle English (15th century) from the Anglo-French acertainer, meaning "to make certain." It combines the intensifying prefix as- (a variant of ad-) with certain, reflecting the idea of moving toward certainty. Originally used in legal contexts to denote formal verification, it later broadened to general usage, retaining its core sense of establishing facts conclusively.
The detective worked tirelessly to ascertain the truth.
Scientists conducted experiments to ascertain the drug's effectiveness.
Please ascertain whether the meeting is still scheduled for tomorrow.
The archaeologist tried to ascertain the age of the artifact.
It’s difficult to ascertain his true intentions from such vague statements.