The word 'determine' is a verb that generally means to come to a decision or conclusion about something after considering some information or evidence. When trying to find a synonym for a word, it's important to look for another word that has a similar meaning.
In the multiple-choice options given:
A. Decide - This is the closest synonym to 'determine'. Both words involve making a conclusion or a decision after some consideration or reasoning.
B. Depend - This relates to when something is contingent or reliant upon something else. This does not quite match the meaning of 'determine'.
C. Deserve - This word is used to indicate being worthy of something. Again, this does not align with the meaning of 'determine'.
D. Desert - This typically refers to either a barren land or the act of abandoning someone or something, which is very different from 'determine'.
Therefore, the closest synonym for the word 'determine' is Decide .