What does preordained mean?
Preordained describes something fixed or destined before it happens, most often according to divine will or an unchangeable plan. The word commonly appears in religious and philosophical writing, where it contrasts with the idea that events arise through chance or entirely through human choice. It may be used of an event, a destiny, a plan, or a person's role in a larger sequence of events. In ordinary conversation, “predetermined” or “inevitable” may sound more natural, while “fated” can carry a similarly fatalistic implication. Preordained is especially memorable because it suggests that history or individual life follows a course already established beyond present control.
adjectivePreordained means determined or destined in advance, especially by divine will or an unchangeable course of events.
- Decided or destined in advance, especially by divine will.
"Theologists debated whether human choices are part of a preordained plan."
"They believed that every event was part of a preordained plan."
"The novel presents the lovers' separation as preordained rather than accidental."
Preordained carries the weight of fate: it describes what was fixed before events unfold.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does preordained come from?
The word was formed in the early 17th century from the prefix pre-, meaning “before,” and the verb “ordain.” “Ordain” comes through Old French from Latin ordinare, meaning to arrange or establish, and relates to “order.” The prefix makes the resulting adjective express the idea that something has been ordained in advance. Related forms include “preordain” and “preordination,” while “ordain” and “ordination” preserve the underlying sense of arranging or appointing.
Related word forms
How preordained is actually used
This word is chiefly used in religious, philosophical, and formal contexts. It often implies that a person or event is fixed by God, providence, or fate, and can sound archaic in ordinary conversation.
Easily confused with preordained
Preordained usually suggests divine or providential destiny, whereas predetermined more broadly means fixed or established in advance.