predetermination

Meanings

1. 1noununcountableformal

   The idea that events or outcomes are fixed in advance by fate, God or earlier causes, leaving no real freedom to change them.

   Grammar: Usually uncountable: predetermination of events.

   Patterns

   • the predetermination of something
   • belief in predetermination

   Some religions teach the predetermination of each person's fate.

   The philosopher argued against predetermination in human choices.

   Belief in predetermination can make people feel helpless.

2. 2noununcountableformal

   The act of deciding something beforehand, so that the result is already settled.

   Grammar: Often followed by of: the predetermination of the outcome.

   Patterns

   • the predetermination of the outcome

   Critics complained about the predetermination of the committee's decision.

   The predetermination of prices lowered competition.

   Early predetermination of the winner made the contest meaningless.

Common combinations

religious predetermination

Religious predetermination is a central question in some traditions.

belief in predetermination

His belief in predetermination shaped his life.

predetermination of the outcome

Voters resented the predetermination of the outcome.

deny predetermination

She denied predetermination and insisted on free will.

strict predetermination

The theory assumes strict predetermination.

Synonyms and how they differ

fate

Fate is the force or outcome itself, while predetermination is the abstract idea that outcomes are set in advance.

fatalism

Fatalism is the attitude of accepting that everything is fixed, whereas predetermination is the claim that it is fixed.

destiny

Destiny usually sounds hopeful or grand and points to a person's future, while predetermination is a drier, philosophical term.

determinism

Determinism is the broader philosophical theory that causes fix every event, and predetermination stresses the setting in advance.

Opposites

Word family

predetermine verb

to decide or settle in advance

predetermined adjective

decided beforehand

determine verb

to decide or establish

determination noun

the act of deciding, or firm purpose

Commonly confused: predetermination or determination?

Practice

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