Predetermine: meaning, definitions and examples

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predetermine

 

[ prɪˈdɪtərmɪn ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in decision-making

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

Synonyms

foreordain, predestine, preordain

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

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "predetermine" in other languages:

🇵🇹 preestabelecer

🇮🇳 पूर्वनिर्धारित करना

🇩🇪 vorbestimmen

🇮🇩 menentukan sebelumnya

🇺🇦 передвизначити

🇵🇱 przedzdeterminować

🇯🇵 あらかじめ決める

🇫🇷 prédéterminer

🇪🇸 predeterminar

🇹🇷 önceden belirlemek

🇰🇷 미리 결정하다

🇸🇦 تحديد مسبقًا

🇨🇿 předurčit

🇸🇰 predurčiť

🇨🇳 预先决定

🇸🇮 predhodno določiti

🇮🇸 ákveða fyrirfram

🇰🇿 алдын ала анықтау

🇬🇪 წინასწარ განსაზღვრა

🇦🇿 əvvəlcədən təyin etmək

🇲🇽 predeterminar

Etymology

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.