foredo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Archaic/LiteraryArchaic, Poetic, Literary
Quick answer
What does “foredo” mean?
To destine or doom something beforehand.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To destine or doom something beforehand; to bring about ruin or destruction.
To cause something to fail or come to an end before its natural time; to render something futile or ineffective from the outset.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of literary or dramatic inevitability. Associated with older poetic and religious texts.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary speech or writing in both regions, appearing almost exclusively in literary or intentionally archaic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “foredo” in a Sentence
[subject] foredo [object] to [noun phrase][subject] be foredoomed to [noun phrase/infinitive]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foredo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Their lack of preparation foredid the entire expedition from the start.
- The ancient prophecy seemed to foredo the kingdom to a fiery end.
American English
- The structural flaws foredid the bridge's collapse long before it happened.
- His arrogance foredid any chance of a successful negotiation.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial use.
American English
- No standard adverbial use.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjectival use.
American English
- No standard adjectival use.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in modern business contexts.
Academic
Rare, may appear in historical, literary, or philosophical texts discussing fate or determinism.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Not used in technical registers.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foredo”
- Using it in active present tense ('I foredo this plan') sounds unnatural. The past participle 'foredoomed' is the standard form.
- Confusing it with 'forego' (to go before) or 'forgo' (to go without).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered an archaic or literary word. In modern English, 'doom', 'condemn', or 'destine' are used instead.
The past participle 'foredoomed' is by far the most frequently encountered form, especially in the phrase 'foredoomed to failure'.
No, the word inherently carries a negative connotation of ruin, failure, or destruction. It is never used for positive outcomes.
'Foredo' means to destine or doom something beforehand. 'Undo' means to reverse or cancel the effects of something that has already been done.
To destine or doom something beforehand.
Foredo is usually archaic, poetic, literary in register.
Foredo: in British English it is pronounced /fɔːˈduː/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɔːrˈduː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “foredoomed to failure”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: FORE (before) + DOOM = to doom beforehand.
Conceptual Metaphor
FUTURE IS A PREDETERMINED PATH (the path leads to ruin).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best captures the meaning of 'foredoomed'?