preordained

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'preordained' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means predetermined or destined by fate or a higher power. Example: It was preordained that she would become a successful businesswoman, as she had always shown a natural talent for leadership and entrepreneurship.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There are many things going for us – but nothing is preordained".

The Guardian

But in truth the British presidency has achieved little that was not preordained, such as the formal choice of countries to join the euro and the start of talks with the five leading eastern candidates for joining the EU.

The Economist

English joy is confined only by the fear that the loss will fire up the visiting Australian team for up until this Test it had seemed preordained that Australia would triumph.The next Test is due to begin on June 19th at Lord's cricket ground.

The Economist

In July 1969 the American embassy in Jakarta sent a confidential cable to Washington saying that the Act of Free Choice was unfolding "like a Greek tragedy, the conclusion preordained".

The Economist

Money was the instrument through which later societies unshackled themselves from preordained social orders and became individualistic.With money came speculation, bringing in turn those endemic financial crises.

The Economist

Yet, despite a controversial last-minute move by election officials to extend voting into an unprecedented third day, the turnout for the first presidential poll since the military coup last July was lower than its organisers had wished.In any event, the outcome was preordained.

The Economist

A recent nationwide poll by the Levada Centre, a research organisation, showed that the number of respondents who had heard of Pussy Riot grew from just over half to nearly three-quarters between March and April alone.With the Russian courts under the sway of orders from above, the outcome of the trial is largely preordained.

The Economist

But the idea that these cycles are preordained to run for a set number of years or months is much more difficult to accept.

The Economist

Imbued with a bureaucratic aversion to nomadism and a Victorian relish for the Hindu caste system, they adjudged many Indian tribesmen, Pardhis included, to be preordained crooks.

The Economist

Growth in India was 5.3% in the three months to March worse than the 6% expected, below the prior quarter and way below the close-to-double digit rates that were meant to be preordained and propel India to economic super-power status.Other BRICs have slowed too, including China and Brazil.

The Economist

A similar fault line has shown up in recent weeks in the CDU, between those who want the party to push for more economic freedom and reform and those who do not want it to be too "capitalist".At least in relative terms, the outcome seems to be preordained: the SPD will argue for a somewhat larger role for the state than the CDU.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preordained" when you want to emphasize that an event or outcome was determined in advance by fate, destiny, or divine will. This word often carries a sense of inevitability and can be used to add a layer of significance to your writing.

Common error

Be mindful of the connotations of "preordained". Overusing it might suggest that individuals have no control over their lives or decisions, which can be a deterministic and potentially disempowering message.

How to use

Learn how to use "preordained" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The word "preordained" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate that something has been determined in advance, suggesting a sense of destiny or inevitability. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "preordained" signifies that an event or outcome has been determined in advance, often by fate, destiny, or a higher power. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage in written English. It's commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific contexts, where it lends a sense of inevitability and significance. While grammatically correct and widely understood, writers should be mindful of its connotations of determinism. Consider alternatives like "predestined" or "inevitable" depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. Using "preordained" correctly adds depth and resonance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

predestined

Implies a prior determination, often by divine will or fate.

foreordained

Similar to preordained, but emphasizes the advanced nature of the decree.

predetermined

Focuses on a decision having been made in advance, often by a specific agent or process.

destined

Highlights the inevitability of a particular outcome, suggesting it's part of someone's fate.

fated

Emphasizes that an event is controlled by destiny and cannot be avoided.

inevitable

Stresses the certainty of an event occurring, regardless of attempts to prevent it.

ordained

Suggests a formal or authoritative decree, often with religious connotations.

written in the stars

A more figurative way to express that something is predestined by fate.

meant to be

Indicates that an event was destined to happen, often implying a positive outcome.

assured

Focuses on a guaranteed outcome, emphasizing confidence and certainty.

FAQs

How to use "preordained" in a sentence?

You can use "preordained" to describe events or outcomes that seem determined in advance. For example, "The outcome of the election seemed "preordained", given the incumbent's popularity".

What is a synonym for "preordained"?

A synonym for "preordained" is "predestined". Both words imply that something has been determined in advance, often by a higher power or fate.

Is it correct to say something is "preordained"?

Yes, it is correct. "Preordained" is a valid word that means determined or decided beforehand. It is often used in contexts where fate or destiny is involved.

What's the difference between "preordained" and "predetermined"?

"Preordained" often implies a divine or fateful decree, whereas "predetermined" suggests a decision made in advance, often by a specific agent or process. While similar, "preordained" carries a stronger sense of inevitability and higher purpose.