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Predetermine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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predetermine

[prɪˈdɪtərmɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in decision-making

To determine or decide in advance; to predestine or foreordain.

Synonyms

foreordain, predestine, preordain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
predetermine

This word is often used in more neutral or general contexts where something is decided or established in advance by some external factors or planning without implying a specific purpose or divine intention.

  • The outcome of the experiment was predetermined by the initial conditions
  • The route of the trip was predetermined by the travel agency
predestine

Commonly used in religious or philosophical discussions, this word implies that certain events or outcomes are determined by divine will or fate, often from the beginning of time.

  • Many believe their lives are predestined by a higher power
  • She felt her career path was predestined from a young age
foreordain

This word is used in formal or literary contexts, often implying a religious or mystical aspect. It suggests that events or outcomes are decided by a higher power or destiny.

  • It seemed that their meeting was foreordained by fate
  • His rise to power was foreordained by the stars, according to the prophecy
preordain

Similar to 'foreordain,' this word is used in contexts that suggest a decision or outcome is established in advance by divine or supernatural forces. It can also appear in formal or serious conversations.

  • Some cultures believe that important life events are preordained
  • His success seemed to be preordained, as if written in the stars

Examples of usage

  • He believed that his fate was predetermined.
  • The outcome of the experiment was predetermined by the initial conditions.
Context #2 | Verb

to influence or direct

To influence or direct in advance; to shape or control the outcome of something.

Synonyms

direct, influence, shape.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
predetermine

When you want to express that something has been decided in advance, often without the influence of current events.

  • The outcome of the experiment was predetermined by the initial conditions.
  • His career path seemed to be predetermined from a young age.
influence

When you aim to affect or change someone’s thoughts, behaviors, or the outcome of a situation, often subtly.

  • Her speech had a strong influence on the audience.
  • Peers can significantly influence one’s decisions.
direct

When you want to indicate that you are guiding, managing, or giving orders to someone or something.

  • The manager will direct the team during the project.
  • She was asked to direct the new movie.
shape

When you want to convey that something or someone is being formed or molded, often over time, both literally and metaphorically.

  • These experiences shaped his character.
  • Economic policies will shape the future of the country.

Examples of usage

  • His actions predetermined the course of the negotiation.
  • Their past experiences had predetermined their future choices.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophy, the concept of predetermination relates to fate and whether our choices are made freely or are preordained by some higher power.
  • Debates around this topic often consider implications for moral responsibility — if things are predetermined, can individuals be held accountable for their actions?
  • Some philosophers argue that while certain factors might influence outcomes, true freedom of choice exists.

Psychology

  • Predetermining outcomes can lead to cognitive biases, as people may ignore new information that contradicts their initial decisions.
  • The psychological concept of 'confirmation bias' closely relates to this, where individuals favor information that confirms their preexisting beliefs or decisions.
  • Studies suggest that making decisions ahead of time can reduce anxiety and enhance performance in high-pressure scenarios.

Social Sciences

  • Cultural norms and social structures can predetermine certain behaviors and expectations within a community.
  • In many societies, social status can predetermine opportunities and outcomes for individuals from a young age.
  • Economic circumstances can also predetermine the educational paths available to children, impacting their future opportunities.

Technology

  • In programming, developers often use predetermined algorithms to process data, ensuring efficient outcomes based on given inputs.
  • Many AI systems rely on predetermined rules to make decisions, which guide how they interpret data and respond to user queries.
  • Game design frequently incorporates predetermined outcomes to create storylines, where players' choices lead to specific pre-set endings.

Origin of 'predetermine'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'praedeterminare,' which means 'to decide beforehand.'
  • It is a combination of 'pre-', meaning 'before,' and 'determine,' which means 'to set a limit or boundary.'
  • The first usage of the term can be traced back to the late 19th century in English.

The word 'predetermine' originated from the combination of the prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before' and the word 'determine' meaning 'to decide'. The concept of predestining or foreordaining has been present in various religious and philosophical beliefs throughout history, influencing the development of the word.

See also: determinability, determinable, determination, determine, determined, determinedly, determiner, determinist, indeterminacy, indeterminate, indeterminateness, predetermined, undetermined.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,389 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.