Predetermined: meaning, definitions and examples

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predetermined

 

[ pree-di-tur-mind ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

set in advance

established or decided in advance; prearranged

Synonyms

prearranged, predesigned, predestined, preordained.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
predetermined

Use this word when referring to something that has been decided in advance and cannot be changed.

  • The outcome of the experiment was predetermined by the initial conditions
prearranged

This word is ideal for situations where events or actions have been planned beforehand, typically involving people.

  • We had a prearranged meeting at the coffee shop
predestined

Often used in philosophical or religious contexts to imply that something has been determined by fate or destiny.

  • He believed their love was predestined
preordained

Use this word in a formal or religious context to indicate that events have been determined by a higher power or authority.

  • They felt that their success was preordained by divine will
predesigned

Choose this word when talking about something that has been created or designed in advance.

  • The website follows a predesigned template

Examples of usage

  • The winner had been predetermined before the competition even began.
  • The outcome of the game seemed predetermined due to the team's superior skills.
  • The predetermined route of the race was carefully planned out by the organizers.
  • His predetermined destiny led him to a successful career in medicine.
  • She felt like her future was already predetermined by her family's expectations.
Context #2 | Verb

decide in advance

decide or establish (something) in advance

Synonyms

decide, establish, predesignate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
predetermined

This word is used when something has been decided or fixed in advance, often giving a sense of inevitability.

  • The outcome was predetermined before the meeting even started
decide

This is used when making a choice or coming to a conclusion after considering various options.

  • She will decide which university to attend next week
establish

Used when setting up or founding something, such as an organization, system, or set of rules.

  • The company plans to establish a new branch in Japan
predesignate

This is used in more formal situations, meaning to designate beforehand. It often pertains to roles, positions, or tasks.

  • The roles have been predesignated to ensure smooth operations during the event

Examples of usage

  • The company predetermined the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
  • We need to predetermined the schedule for the event to avoid any last-minute changes.

Translations

Translations of the word "predetermined" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pré-determinado

🇮🇳 पूर्वनिर्धारित

🇩🇪 vordefiniert

🇮🇩 ditentukan sebelumnya

🇺🇦 заздалегідь визначений

🇵🇱 z góry określony

🇯🇵 あらかじめ決められた

🇫🇷 prédéterminé

🇪🇸 predeterminado

🇹🇷 önceden belirlenmiş

🇰🇷 미리 정해진

🇸🇦 محدد مسبقًا

🇨🇿 předem určený

🇸🇰 vopred určený

🇨🇳 预定的

🇸🇮 vnaprej določen

🇮🇸 fyrirfram ákveðið

🇰🇿 алдын ала анықталған

🇬🇪 წინასწარ განსაზღვრული

🇦🇿 əvvəlcədən müəyyən edilmiş

🇲🇽 predeterminado

Etymology

The word 'predetermined' originated from the combination of the prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before' and 'determine' meaning 'to decide or settle conclusively'. The concept of predetermination has been explored in various philosophical and theological contexts, discussing the idea of destiny or fate being established before events occur. Over time, 'predetermined' has become commonly used in a wide range of contexts to indicate something that has been decided in advance.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,676 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.