foreordination: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, academic, theological
Quick answer
What does “foreordination” mean?
The act of determining or decreeing something in advance, especially by divine will or authority.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of determining or decreeing something in advance, especially by divine will or authority; predestination.
In theological contexts, it specifically refers to God's eternal decree determining the course of all events, particularly regarding human salvation. In secular use, it can describe any predetermined or fated outcome, often with a sense of inevitability.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, though more frequent in American religious discourse due to historical Calvinist influence.
Connotations
Carries strong theological weight; in secular use, may imply fate or unavoidable destiny.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech; primarily found in theological, philosophical, or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “foreordination” in a Sentence
the foreordination of [event/outcome]foreordination by [divine authority]belief in foreordinationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foreordination” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council foreordained the succession years in advance.
American English
- The founders foreordained the process for constitutional amendments.
adverb
British English
- Events unfolded foreordinately, as the prophecy had described.
American English
- The victory was achieved not foreordinately, but through sheer effort.
adjective
British English
- They believed in a foreordained plan for their lives.
American English
- The treaty's failure seemed almost foreordained.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theological, philosophical, and historical studies discussing concepts of fate, determinism, or Calvinist doctrine.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound formal or archaic.
Technical
Specific term in systematic theology and philosophy of religion.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “foreordination”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “foreordination”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foreordination”
- Misspelling as 'forordination' or 'foreordaination'.
- Using in casual contexts where 'fate' or 'destiny' is more appropriate.
- Confusing with 'predestination' without noting its stronger link to divine agency.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Fate' is a general concept of an inevitable future, often impersonal. 'Foreordination' specifically implies a deliberate decree by an intelligent agent (usually divine) made in advance.
Yes, but it's rare and formal. It can describe any event seen as predetermined by an authoritative plan or inevitable logic, e.g., 'the foreordained failure of the project.'
They are often synonyms, especially in theology. Some theological systems distinguish them, with 'foreordination' as God's general decree of all that happens, and 'predestination' specifically regarding salvation and damnation.
No. It is a low-frequency, advanced word used primarily in specialized religious, philosophical, or literary discussions.
The act of determining or decreeing something in advance, especially by divine will or authority.
Foreordination is usually formal, academic, theological in register.
Foreordination: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɔːrɔːdɪˈneɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɔːroʊrdɪˈneɪʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sealed by foreordination”
- “the hand of foreordination”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: FORE (before) + ORDINATION (an official order or decree) = a decree made BEFORE events happen.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A SCRIPTED PLAY (where the script is written in advance by a divine author).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'foreordination' MOST appropriately used?