Definition

The belief that everything that happens has already been decided by a higher power, especially regarding people's fate or destiny.

Example

Many people find comfort in the idea of predestination, believing that their lives are guided by a divine plan.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about the concept of predestination?

I have! It's such an interesting idea about fate.

Yeah, it makes me wonder if our choices really matter in the end.

Right? Or if everything is already laid out for us.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Predestination → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "destinare" (meaning to determine or establish). The word refers to the doctrine that God has eternally determined who will be saved and who will be damned, thus establishing their fate before they are born.

Memory Tip

Think of 'before' ('pre-') and 'determining' ('destinare') someone's fate — that's why predestination means having a fate established beforehand.

Visually Confused Words