What does predestinate mean?
Predestinate is a formal verb meaning to determine, appoint, or make inevitable something beforehand. Its strongest traditional sense is theological: it describes events fixed in advance by divine will, although it can also be used more generally for a planned or foreseeable outcome. The word often suggests a chain of causes that had already been set in motion, giving it a serious, deterministic tone. In modern writing, “predetermined” or “destined” may sound more natural, while “predestinate” can add emphasis or a slightly archaic flavour. The related noun “predestination” refers both to the doctrine that fate is fixed beforehand and more generally to the condition of having been decided in advance. The verb is most useful when the speaker wants to stress that an outcome was determined earlier rather than created by an isolated later event.
To decide, appoint, or determine the fate or outcome of something beforehand, especially by divine will or an established plan.
"The architects believed that the building's success had been predestinate."
Formal and relatively uncommon; especially associated with theological or philosophical writing.
To make something destined or inevitable to happen.
"The evidence suggests that the recession predestinated the company to fail."
This use is less common than the theological sense and often sounds literary or emphatic.
Predestinate carries the gravity of finality: it means the outcome was settled before the story began.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does predestinate come from?
Predestinate comes from Latin praedestinare, a compound of prae- meaning “before” and destinare meaning “to establish, determine, or appoint.” The same Latin root underlies destiny and destination. English borrowed the verb in the 16th century, initially in religious contexts, and it became especially prominent in theological writing concerning divine election and foreordination.
Related word forms
How predestinate is actually used
Predestinate is formal and relatively uncommon. It is often used in religious or philosophical contexts and may sound archaic or literary in general prose.
Easily confused with predestinate
Destiny is usually a noun referring to what is bound to happen, while predestinate is a verb meaning to determine or appoint something in advance.
Predestination names the doctrine or process of determining events beforehand, whereas predestinate is the corresponding verb.