ascertain exactly

[/ˌæsərˈteɪn ɪɡˈzæktli/]
verb phrase
apurar exatamente
1. to determine or discover something with complete precision and certainty
We need to ascertain exactly how much money was spent on the project.
Precisamos apurar exatamente quanto dinheiro foi gasto no projeto.
2. to verify or confirm facts with absolute accuracy
The investigator worked to ascertain exactly what happened that night.
O investigador trabalhou para apurar exatamente o que aconteceu naquela noite.
3. to establish the truth or facts of something without doubt
We must ascertain exactly the cause of the accident.
Devemos apurar exatamente a causa do acidente.
In Brazilian Portuguese business and legal contexts, 'apurar exatamente' is frequently used in formal investigations and audits. In American English, this phrase is common in investigative journalism, law enforcement, and academic research settings where precision is paramount.
NYC Slang
get the facts straight
Synonyms / Sinônimos
determine preciselyverify exactlyestablish with certaintyfind out exactlypinpointclarify definitively
Antonyms / Antônimos
guessassumespeculateobscureconceal

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
apurar exatamente
standard usage in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
apurar na lata
colloquial expression meaning to determine exactly
São Paulo
apurar certinho
informal usage with diminutive for emphasis
Portugal
apurar com exatidão
more formal Portuguese European variant

Related Words

ascertainverifyinvestigateconfirmdetermineestablish

Related Idioms & Phrases

get to the bottom of something
pin down the facts
get the straight story
leave no stone unturned
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