Premeditate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ง
premeditate
[หpriหหmษdษชteษชt ]
Definition
legal context
To premeditate means to think about and plan an action beforehand, especially in relation to a crime. It is often used in legal contexts to indicate that a crime was planned rather than spontaneous. This implies a level of intent and consideration before committing an act. Premeditation can significantly affect the severity of criminal charges, as it suggests that the perpetrator had a conscious plan as opposed to acting on impulse.
Synonyms
contemplate, deliberate, plan, scheme.
Examples of usage
- The defendant was charged with first-degree murder due to the premeditated nature of the crime.
- They were found to have premeditated the robbery for weeks before carrying it out.
- Premeditated acts of violence are treated more seriously in the judicial system.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies show that premeditative thinking can lead to better decision-making by weighing pros and cons.
- The brain processes premeditated actions differently than spontaneous ones, engaging areas related to foresight and planning.
- Premeditating actions can help reduce anxiety by providing a clearer path to outcomes.
Literature
- In many classic novels, characters often premeditate their actions, which shapes their destinies.
- Shakespeareโs works often explore themes of premeditated actions, particularly in tragedies where characters make calculated decisions.
- Dostoevsky delves into the psychological depths of his characters' premeditated thoughts and the moral implications of their choices.
Pop Culture
- In crime dramas, premeditation is a key factor that distinguishes between different types of crimes, particularly murder.
- Movies often portray characters who premeditate their actions leading to dramatic plot twists and moral dilemmas.
- Reality TV shows sometimes highlight contestantsโ premeditated strategies to win competitions, adding layers to the viewer's engagement.
Science
- Neuroscientific research indicates that premeditated actions engage the frontal lobe, which is responsible for judgment and decision-making.
- Premeditation is crucial in emergency response scenarios, where quick yet thoughtful decisions can save lives.
- Artificial intelligence systems are being designed to premeditate responses based on vast data, mimicking human decision-making patterns.
Origin of 'premeditate'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin 'praemeditari,' meaning 'to meditate beforehand.'
- It combines 'prae-' (before) and 'meditari' (to think). This shows its roots in planning.
- In legal contexts, the term is used to describe a thoughtful intention behind an action.
The word 'premeditate' originates from the Latin 'prae-' meaning 'before' and 'meditatus', the past participle of 'meditari' which means 'to think, to ponder'. The term began to be used in English around the early 17th century, coming into prominence in legal terminology to distinguish between crimes committed with prior planning versus those that were impulsive. This differentiation has been crucial in the judicial system, influencing laws regarding intent and culpability. Over time, the use of the word expanded beyond legal contexts, becoming relevant in discussions about personal actions that involve prior thought or consideration, thus embedding itself in common English usage.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,299, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.