preordain: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Literary, Religious
Quick answer
What does “preordain” mean?
To decide or determine an outcome in advance, often by a divine power or fate.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To decide or determine an outcome in advance, often by a divine power or fate.
To predestine; to ordain beforehand. It implies an event is fated or inevitable, set by a higher power, destiny, or sometimes by a very strong external force or previous decision.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use it primarily in formal/literary contexts.
Connotations
Identical connotations of fate, divine will, and inevitability.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “preordain” in a Sentence
[subject] preordains [object][object] is preordainedIt is preordained that [clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “preordain” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Many believed the gods would preordain the victor of the battle.
- The prophecy seemed to preordain a tragic end for the hero.
American English
- Does a divine power preordain our life's path?
- The founders did not intend to preordain a single method for all states.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Might appear in hyperbolic or metaphorical language about a 'preordained' market collapse.
Academic
Used in theological, philosophical, historical, or literary studies to discuss concepts of fate, determinism, and divine will.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Used for dramatic effect, e.g., 'It felt like our meeting was preordained.'
Technical
Not used in technical fields like science or computing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “preordain”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “preordain”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “preordain”
- Using it for simple plans or predictions ('The manager preordained the project deadline' is wrong). Confusing it with 'predict' or 'plan'. Using it in informal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While its most common and traditional use is in religious contexts (God preordains), it is also used in secular literary, philosophical, and even casual dramatic language to mean 'fated' or 'inevitable'.
They are very close synonyms and often interchangeable. 'Preordain' can slightly emphasise the act of an authority (like a deity) making the decree, while 'predestine' focuses more on the fixed nature of the destination itself.
No, it would sound pompous and incorrect. 'Preordain' implies a power or force much greater than an individual's personal plans (e.g., divine power, fate, an unstoppable historical force). Use 'plan', 'decide in advance', or 'predetermine' instead.
The primary noun is 'preordination'. 'Predestination' is a more common and closely related noun.
To decide or determine an outcome in advance, often by a divine power or fate.
Preordain is usually formal, literary, religious in register.
Preordain: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpriː.ɔːˈdeɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpri.ɔːrˈdeɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A preordained conclusion”
- “A preordained path”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PRE (before) + ORDAIN (to order officially, like a priest). Something is officially ordered or decided BEFORE it happens.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A SCRIPT (events are pre-written). TIME IS A PATH (the path is fixed in advance).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'preordain' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?