Foreordaining Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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foreordaining
[fɔːrɔːrˈdeɪnɪŋ ]
Definition
religious context
Foreordaining refers to the act of determining or deciding something in advance, often in a religious or philosophical context. It implies a sense of predestination, where future events are established beforehand by a divine power or authority.
Synonyms
appointing, determining, ordaining, predestining.
Examples of usage
- Many religious doctrines involve the concept of foreordaining the fate of believers.
- The idea of foreordaining salvation is prevalent in certain theological discussions.
- He believed in a universe governed by the principle of foreordaining events.
- In some faiths, foreordaining is seen as a divine plan for humanity.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Religious Context
- In many religious beliefs, foreordination refers to God's plan for the universe and individuals, asserting that certain events are predetermined.
- Predestination is a related concept in Christianity, often associated with the idea that God has already chosen who will be saved.
- Different denominations interpret this concept uniquely, affecting their beliefs about free will.
Philosophy
- Philosophers debate the implications of foreordaining on free will, questioning whether humans truly make choices.
- Determinism suggests that all events, including human actions, are determined in advance, creating tension with the idea of free will.
- Existentialists argue that individuals must create their meaning, rejecting the notion of a preordained life.
Literature
- The concept often appears in literature, particularly in tragic narratives where characters struggle against fate.
- Classic works, like those of Shakespeare, highlight the tension between fate and free choice, using foreordaining as a theme.
- In many novels, characters often face the consequences of choices that seem both free and predetermined.
Science
- In scientific contexts, foreordaining can relate to theories in quantum mechanics about probabilities and predetermination.
- Some scientists argue that while certain outcomes can be predicted based on data, true foreordination is impossible since the future is influenced by countless variables.
- The debate around determinism versus randomness in the universe often touches upon ideas of preordained events.
Origin of 'foreordaining'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the combination of 'fore', meaning 'before', and 'ordain', meaning 'to order or establish'.
- It has roots in Old French and Latin, showing how language has evolved over time.
- The prefix 'fore-' suggests anticipation, while 'ordain' links to official decree or authority.
The term "foreordaining" is rooted in Middle English, derived from the combination of the prefix "fore-" and the verb "ordain." The prefix "fore-" means 'before in time, place, or order,' indicating something that happens prior to another event. The verb "ordain," which originates from the Latin "ordinare," means 'to put in order' or 'to arrange.' This term has been used historically in religious contexts to suggest that a higher power has established or commanded certain events to unfold in a particular manner. Foreordination is closely connected with concepts of fate and predestination in various theological systems, suggesting that individual destinies are pre-established by a divine being. The word reflects deep philosophical and theological discussions about free will, determinism, and the nature of divine intervention in human affairs.