foreordinate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (C2+)Formal, Literary, Theological
Quick answer
What does “foreordinate” mean?
To determine or appoint something beforehand.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To determine or appoint something beforehand; to predestine.
To decree, ordain, or set in place by divine will or authoritative decision prior to events unfolding; often carries theological weight.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage; the word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries strong theological connotations related to predestination and divine will.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in American evangelical theological writing due to its use in some older translations of the Bible (e.g., the Geneva Bible).
Grammar
How to Use “foreordinate” in a Sentence
[God/authority] foreordained [object] to [purpose][God] foreordained that [clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foreordinate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The theologians debated whether God did foreordinate the fall of man.
- His rise to power seemed foreordained by a higher purpose.
American English
- The doctrine holds that God foreordained who would be saved.
- They believed their meeting was foreordained.
adverb
British English
- The event unfolded foreordinately, just as the prophecy had described.
American English
- Everything happened foreordinately, according to the divine decree.
adjective
British English
- He accepted his foreordinate role in the grand scheme with resignation.
American English
- She spoke of a foreordinate plan that gave her comfort.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used rarely in theology, religious studies, or history of ideas.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Not used in modern technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “foreordinate”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “foreordinate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foreordinate”
- Confusing it with 'foreshadow' (to hint at future events). 'Foreordinate' is about causing or deciding the event, not merely hinting at it.
- Misspelling as 'forordinate' or 'foreordainate'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are synonyms. 'Foreordinate' is simply a more archaic and formal variant, often found in older theological writings.
No, it would sound highly unnatural and pretentious. Use 'predetermined', 'pre-planned', or 'meant to be' instead for casual contexts.
The noun is 'foreordination', which is also rare and used primarily in theological discourse.
They are synonyms. 'Foreordain' is slightly more common (though still rare), while 'foreordinate' emphasizes the act of putting into a predetermined order.
To determine or appoint something beforehand.
Foreordinate is usually formal, literary, theological in register.
Foreordinate: in British English it is pronounced /fɔːrˈɔːdɪneɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɔːrˈɔːrdɪneɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “foreordained from the foundation of the world”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: FORE (before) + ORDINATE (to order or appoint). It's the act of ordering something before it happens.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A SCRIPTED PLAY (written/foreordained by a divine author).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'foreordinate' most appropriately used?