preordained
pree-or-DAYND
/ˌpriː.ɔːˈdeɪnd/
Decided, ordered, or decreed in advance by authority or divine power.
Emphasizes an official structural order or commandment established prior to events.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'prae' (before) and 'ordinare' (to arrange). It originally referred to laws set down by rulers or divine providence before execution.
Word relationships
- predestined: Preordained stresses an authoritative decree or arrangement, while predestined focuses on destiny.
- impromptu: Impromptu means done without prior arrangement or decree.
Commonly confused with
- ordained: Ordained means established by decree or holy orders, while preordained adds that it was established in advance.
Word family
- preordain (verb): To order or decree beforehand.
- preordination (noun): The act of ordering in advance.
Collocations
- preordained order
- preordained outcome
- preordained path
Example sentences
- "The monarch viewed his coronation not as a human accomplishment, but as a preordained event." Historical analysis
Memory hook
PRE (before) + ORDAINED (ordered) = ordered before time. Decreed before it happens.
When not to use
Do not use for informal personal plans or tentative arrangements.
Fun facts
- Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz posited a 'pre-established harmony' where God preordained mind and matter to synchronize perfectly.
Related words
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