determining factor
8
3.7
- noun
- /dɪˈtɜːrmɪnɪŋ ˈfæktər/
:
factor determinante
- The data analysts in Chicago had used determining factors such as age, sex, and race.
- a determining factor of success
- a primary determining factor
- a major determining factor
And that determination and will and focus is really the determining factor.
- And that determination and will and focus is really the determining factor.
- My whole determining factor was I wanted to go to a school that could get me to Abcs game.
Examples
-
One conclusion must be that family structure is not the only determining factor.
Academic text (1997) -
Geographical location is a fundamental determining factor in whether an action is moral or immoral.
Blog text (6) -
How much higher will it go, and what will be the determining factors?
Academic text (2008) -
But lack of control is a huge determining factor on if we're happy or not.
-
Teacher planning, therefore, is a major determining factor of what is taught in schools.
Academic text (1991) -
Obviously, this can become a determining factor in racing competition.
Academic text (1993) -
Ability, not motivation, can no longer be the determining factor for the study of a foreign language.
Academic text (2002) -
Don't let your body or the way that you look be the determining factor of how you treat yourself.
-
Evidence suggests that the type of fat, rather than quantity, is a determining factor in the development of cardiovascular disease.
Academic text (2004) -
Cost will be the determining factor in winning the contract.
Synonyms
11
6.8
A factor that strongly affects the result of something
4
6.2
A fact or argument that finally decides a debate
3
4.2
The main thing that makes one result happen
1
4.5
A thing or condition that directly makes something happen
Antonyms
How Decisive
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase 'determining factor' is a straightforward compositional combination: 'determining' (causing or deciding) modifies 'factor' (an element that influences an outcome), so the overall meaning — an element that decisively influences the result — is directly derivable from the constituents. This pattern (verb‑derived adjective + noun) is common across languages and follows normal English morphology, so a B1 learner who knows the component words will readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
The phrase determining factor comes from the image of a balance scale where many small weights sit on one side and one extra weight makes the scale tip; that single weight is the determining factor. So the phrase means the thing that 'decides' the outcome.