premeditated

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "premeditated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "premeditated" to describe an action that was planned or thought of in advance. For example, "The murder was premeditated, as the suspect had bought a knife days before the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other images show riot sticks apparently being used the wrong way round, heavy handle first, in a way that seems premeditated to cause maximum damage.

The Guardian - Sport

But whether or not the population transfer of 1948 was premeditated (as he says), or largely opportunistic (as Mr Morris says), history can hardly be rewound over half a century.Some thoughtful Israeli politicians have indeed acknowledged their country's portion of the blame.

The Economist

But Andrew Jennings of FICO, the company behind America's FICO credit scores, reckons that 25-30% of defaults are now premeditated.

The Economist

Last month, in an open letter that deplored the judges' "premeditated" verdicts, more than 150 reformist deputies wondered if there was anything, besides "seeking refuge in God", that could be done.

The Economist

Some of the killings in the Rift Valley appear to have been premeditated by elders of the Kalenjin, a group of tribes that speak a similar language.

The Economist

But she accepted that he had genuinely mistaken his girlfriend for an intruder, and dismissed charges of murder and premeditated murder.The 63-year-old judge, a former journalist and social worker, went to great lengths to explain her reasoning.

The Economist

In America first-degree murder involves premeditated killing, such as lying in wait for someone with a gun.

The Economist

Hundreds of them have been killed in what seem to have been premeditated massacres.But the rebels are no angels either.

The Economist

It was a highly premeditated move by Tbilisi, presaged by Georgia's major military exercises in July that left forces in place for an attack.

The Economist

The Palestinian aim is as premeditated as Israel's.

The Economist

WAS it premeditated?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "premeditated" to convey a sense of calculated intent, often in situations where someone has carefully considered the consequences of their actions.

Common error

Avoid using "premeditated" when describing actions that were spontaneous or unplanned. "Premeditated" specifically implies prior thought and planning, so ensure the context accurately reflects this.

Linguistic Context

The word "premeditated" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something was planned, considered, or estimated in advance. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing its use in contexts like "premeditated assault" or "premeditated murder".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "premeditated" is an adjective used to describe actions that are planned, considered, or estimated in advance, as highlighted by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as encyclopedias, emphasizing the deliberate nature of an action, especially in legal and ethical discussions. While "premeditated" carries a neutral to formal tone, ensure it's used accurately to reflect prior thought and planning, avoiding confusion with impulsive actions. Related phrases include "carefully planned", "deliberately planned", and "calculated", offering alternative ways to express the concept of advanced planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deliberately planned

Highlights the intentional and purposeful nature of the planning.

carefully planned

Emphasizes the thoroughness and detail involved in the planning process.

calculated

Implies a degree of strategic thinking and anticipation of outcomes.

thought out in advance

Directly conveys the idea of considering something before it happens.

intentionally designed

Emphasizes the purposefulness behind the design or plan.

studied

Suggests careful consideration and analysis before action.

purposely conceived

Highlights the deliberate creation of an idea or plan.

prearranged

Focuses on the prior arrangement and coordination of elements.

predetermined

Indicates that the outcome was decided before the action took place.

forethoughtful

Focuses on the act of thinking ahead and anticipating needs or problems.

FAQs

How to use "premeditated" in a sentence?

Use "premeditated" to describe actions that were planned in advance. For example, "The crime was a "premeditated" act of violence".

What can I say instead of "premeditated"?

You can use alternatives like "deliberate", "calculated", or "carefully planned" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "premeditated" or "unpremeditated"?

"Premeditated" means planned in advance, while "unpremeditated" describes something done without prior thought or planning. They are antonyms, so choose the word that accurately reflects whether or not the action was planned.

What's the difference between "premeditated" and "intentional"?

"Intentional" means done on purpose, while "premeditated" implies that the action was not only intentional but also planned and considered in advance. A "premeditated" act is always intentional, but an intentional act is not always "premeditated".