foreordain

[ fawr-awr-deyn, fohr- ]

verb (used with object)

1. to ordain or appoint beforehand.
2. to predestine; predetermine.

foreordain

/ ˌfɔːrɔːˈdeɪn; ˌfɔːrɔːdɪˈneɪʃən /

verb

1. tr; may take a clause as object to determine (events, results, etc) in the future

Derived Forms

• ˌforeorˈdainment, noun

Other Words From

• foreor·dainment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of foreordain¹

First recorded in 1400–50, foreordain is from the late Middle English word forordeinen. See fore-, ordain

Example Sentences

The Warnock family has long believed its youngest son, doted on by older siblings and parents alike, was foreordained for greatness.

From TIme

Instead, it shows us that paths taken were not foreordained.

From Time

Even that "in it to win it" slogan had a strong odor of arrogance about it, as if it was atempting to foreordain an outcome.

From The Daily Beast

The word foreordain means to ordain beforehand: and the word elect means to choose.

From Project Gutenberg

As to the word foreordain, I do not recollect that it occurs in our translation.

From Project Gutenberg

Did God foreordain or choose the individuals who would compose the church?

From Project Gutenberg