predestination: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, theological
Quick answer
What does “predestination” mean?
The divine foreordaining of all that will happen, especially with regard to the salvation of some souls and not others.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The divine foreordaining of all that will happen, especially with regard to the salvation of some souls and not others.
The belief that everything has been decided or arranged by God or by fate and cannot be changed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant orthographic or usage differences. The concept is discussed identically in theological and philosophical contexts.
Connotations
Carries strong theological weight in both varieties; secular usage is rare and often metaphorical.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday language, confined to religious, philosophical, and literary discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “predestination” in a Sentence
[belief/doctrine] of predestinationpredestination [to salvation/damnation]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “predestination” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Theologians have long debated whether God predestines individuals to salvation.
American English
- Calvin's teachings held that God predestined the elect.
adverb
British English
- He believed events unfolded predestinately, according to God's plan.
American English
- (Rarely used; 'inevitably' or 'by divine decree' are preferred.)
adjective
British English
- The predestinarian views of the Puritan settlers shaped their community.
American English
- His worldview had a predestinarian bleakness to it.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used.
Academic
Used in theological studies, philosophy of religion, and historical analysis of Reformation thought.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'Meeting her felt like predestination.'
Technical
Specific term in systematic theology and soteriology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “predestination”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “predestination”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “predestination”
- Using 'predestination' to mean simple 'prediction' or 'forecast'.
- Mispronunciation: stressing the second syllable (*pre-DES-ti-NA-tion).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While both imply events are predetermined, 'predestination' specifically involves a divine agent (usually God) making the choice, particularly regarding salvation. 'Fate' is a more general, often impersonal force.
Yes, but it is rare and typically metaphorical, used to suggest that something seemed incredibly fated or inevitable, often with a grand or cosmic tone.
The verb is 'to predestine.' Example: 'They believed they were predestined to meet.'
In its strongest theological forms (e.g., in Calvinism), it is incompatible with libertarian free will. However, other theological traditions (like Arminianism) attempt to reconcile divine foreknowledge with human free choice.
The divine foreordaining of all that will happen, especially with regard to the salvation of some souls and not others.
Predestination is usually formal, theological in register.
Predestination: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpriːdɛstɪˈneɪʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpridɛstəˈneɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A twist of predestination”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PRE (before) + DESTINATION (final place) = a final place decided BEFORE you even arrive.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A PRE-WRITTEN SCRIPT / GOD IS A SCRIPTWRITER
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'predestination' a core technical concept?