predestine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, literary, theological
Quick answer
What does “predestine” mean?
To determine or decree something in advance, especially by divine will or fate.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To determine or decree something in advance, especially by divine will or fate.
To fix the outcome of something beforehand; to make something inevitable or unavoidable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The word is equally formal and rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of fate, divine will, or irrevocable destiny.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects, primarily found in religious, philosophical, or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “predestine” in a Sentence
[Some force] predestines [someone/something] to [infinitive/outcome][Someone/Something] is predestined for [noun phrase][Someone/Something] is predestined to [infinitive]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “predestine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Many theologians believe that God does not predestine individuals to damnation.
- The ancient prophecy seemed to predestine the prince for a tragic end.
American English
- Some philosophers argue that our genes predestine us to certain behaviors.
- The contract's fine print appeared to predestine the deal to fail.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in strategic discussions: 'The market shift seemed to predestine the merger.'
Academic
Used in theology, philosophy, and literary criticism to discuss concepts of free will and determinism.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used for dramatic effect: 'I felt we were predestined to meet.'
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields outside of specific philosophical discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “predestine”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “predestine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “predestine”
- Using it as a synonym for simple 'planning' (too weak).
- Incorrect preposition: 'predestine for doing' instead of 'predestine to do'.
- Using it in informal conversation where it sounds unnatural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its most classic use is theological, it can be used in secular literary, philosophical, or even metaphorical everyday contexts to imply something was fated or made inevitable long before it happened.
'Predestine' strongly implies an external, often divine or fateful, power. 'Predetermine' is more neutral and secular, focusing on causal factors. 'Preordain' is very close to 'predestine' but is almost exclusively used in religious contexts.
Yes, very commonly. The passive constructions 'be predestined to' or 'be predestined for' are the most frequent ways the word is encountered.
Yes, the adjective 'predestined' (e.g., 'a predestined outcome') is encountered more frequently in modern usage than the active verb form 'to predestine'.
To determine or decree something in advance, especially by divine will or fate.
Predestine is usually formal, literary, theological in register.
Predestine: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpriːˈdestɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /priˈdɛstən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A predestined path”
- “Written in the stars”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think PRE-DESTINY. Something is decided BEFORE (pre) your DESTINY unfolds.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A PRE-WRITTEN SCRIPT / LIFE IS A PRE-CHARTED COURSE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'predestine' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?