What does preordination mean?
Preordination is a formal noun meaning the arranging, determining, or ordering of things before they happen. In general usage, it describes the prior organization of events, decisions, or priorities. In theological writing, preordination has a more specific meaning: divine ordering of events or the predetermination of human destiny. The word can therefore suggest careful advance planning, but it may also evoke questions about providence, inevitability, and the limits of human choice. Its uncommon vocabulary status distinguishes it from more everyday expressions such as “prearrangement” or “planning.” Preordination is especially useful in discussions of theology, philosophy, history, and formal rhetoric, where the idea of an order established beforehand can be examined precisely. In less specialized contexts, it may sound elevated or old-fashioned, so writers often prefer a plainer term when no specialized distinction is intended.
nounThe act of arranging or determining the order of things in advance. In theological contexts, it can refer to divine ordering or predestination.
- The act of arranging or determining the order of things in advance; in theology, divine ordering or predestination.
"The ceremony was the preordination of a tradition that would shape the community for generations."
"The document set out the preordination of the inspection teams well in advance."
"The philosopher examined divine preordination and its relationship to human freedom."
Plural forms are grammatically possible but rarely used because the word itself is uncommon.
"The text discusses several theological preordinations proposed by different religious thinkers."
In theological writing, preordination turns the abstract idea of providence into an ordering that existed before events unfolded.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does preordination come from?
Preordination comes from Latin praeordinare, meaning “to order beforehand,” with prae- indicating precedence and ordo referring to order. The related English noun “ordination” and the word “coordinate” also trace their roots to the same Latin family. The cognate verb “preordain” preserves the idea of determining or arranging something in advance.
Related word forms
How preordination is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon word. Its theological sense carries philosophical implications about divine providence, human freedom, and destiny.