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Predestined Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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predestined

[prɪˈdɛstɪnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

fate

determined in advance by divine will or fate; destined beforehand

Synonyms

destined, foreordained, predetermined.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
predestined

Used when something is believed to be fixed or determined by fate ahead of time, often with a spiritual or philosophical nuance. It suggests a strong sense of inevitability.

  • She felt her meeting with him was predestined from the start.
  • In some religions, people believe their paths are predestined by a higher power.
destined

Commonly used in everyday language to suggest that something is meant to happen, either romantically, professionally, or in other contexts. It is less formal and carries a slightly lighter connotation than 'predestined'.

  • He seemed destined to become a great leader.
  • They were destined to meet and fall in love.
foreordained

This word is often used in religious or historical contexts, implying that something has been determined by a higher power or by historical precedents. It is more archaic and formal.

  • Many believe that the victory was foreordained by ancient prophecy.
  • The role of the king was foreordained, leaving little room for personal choice.
predetermined

Used in more neutral or technical contexts, suggesting that something has been decided or arranged in advance, often by rules or plans rather than fate.

  • The itinerary for the trip was predetermined by the travel agency.
  • The outcome of the experiment was not predetermined.

Examples of usage

  • He believed that their meeting was predestined.
  • It was as if their love was predestined by the stars.
Context #2 | Verb

religion

decide or determine beforehand

Synonyms

foreordain, predetermine, preordain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
predestined

Identical to the first entry for 'predestined.' This is a duplicate and can be ignored.

  • Duplicate entry, no examples needed
foreordain

Use in a religious or philosophical context where a higher power is believed to have predetermined events or outcomes. Often used in theological discussions.

  • Many believers think that their actions are foreordained by a higher power
  • The prophet declared that our paths were foreordained
predetermine

Use when referring to something that has been decided or set in advance through planning or premeditation, not necessarily involving fate or a higher power.

  • The schedule was predetermined weeks in advance
  • His actions seemed predetermine by his upbringing
preordain

Similar to 'foreordain,' but can be used more broadly. Often implies some grand design or plan that was decided beforehand.

  • The queen's ascent to the throne seemed preordained
  • The preordained plan unfolded smoothly, without any obstacles

Examples of usage

  • She felt like her fate was predestined.
  • The prophecy seemed to predestine the outcome.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Predestination is a concept in theology that suggests that all events are willed by a divine power.
  • Many philosophers debate whether humans have free will or if everything is predetermined by higher forces.
  • The idea raises questions about moral responsibility if our choices are already decided.

Literature

  • In literature, characters may grapple with the idea of predestined paths, often leading to tragic or enlightening conclusions.
  • Authors like Shakespeare and Dickens explored the theme of fate, considering whether their characters were bound to a preordained fate.
  • The narrative tension in stories often arises from the clash between characters' attempts to change their predestined outcomes.

Social Science

  • Some psychologists study how beliefs in predestination can affect personal motivation and life choices.
  • People who believe strongly in predestined outcomes may feel less motivated to change their circumstances.
  • Cultural beliefs about fate can influence social behaviors and attitudes towards success and failure.

Religious Contexts

  • Many religions, including Christianity and Islam, have interpretations of predestination concerning salvation and human destiny.
  • In Calvinism, predestination is a key doctrine, asserting that God has already chosen who will be saved.
  • Conversely, some belief systems emphasize free will, arguing against the idea that every action is predetermined.

Origin of 'predestined'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the Latin word 'praedestinare,' which means to determine beforehand.
  • It was first used in English in the 15th century, often in religious contexts to discuss fate and divine will.
  • The word consists of the prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before,' and 'destined,' which relates to a person's fate.

The word 'predestined' comes from the combination of 'pre-' meaning before and 'destined' meaning determined. The concept of predestination has been a topic of philosophical and theological debate for centuries, with different interpretations among various religions and belief systems.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,994, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.