preordained
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //ˌpriːɔːrˈdeɪnd//
KK: /priːˈɔːrdeɪnd/
adjective
Definition
Decided or determined beforehand, often in a way that cannot be changed.
Example
Many people believe that their futures are preordained and cannot be altered.
Conversation
Do you think our meeting was preordained?
It feels like it was meant to happen, right?
Yeah, I mean, we have so much in common.
Definitely! Maybe it was all preordained for a reason.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
predestined
fated
inevitable
Antonyms
random
unplanned
accidental
verb
Definition
To decide or determine something in advance, often in a way that seems inevitable or predetermined.
Example
Many believe that their futures are preordained by fate.
Tense Forms
Past: preordained
Past Participle: preordained
Conversation
Do you think our meeting was preordained?
Honestly, it felt like it was meant to happen.
Yeah, I can’t shake the feeling that everything led to this moment.
Root Explanation
Preordained → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "ordinare" (meaning to arrange or order). The word "preordained" means arranged or ordered beforehand, suggesting that events are determined in advance.
Memory Tip
Think of something that is 'arranged before' — 'pre-' means before, and 'ordinare' means to arrange.
Visually Confused Words
unpreordained
reordain
unforeordained