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ordain
[ awr-deyn ]
/ ÉrĖdeÉŖn /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object)
to invest with ministerial, priestly, or rabbinical functions.
to enact or establish by law, edict, etc.: to ordain a new type of government.
to decree; give orders for: He ordained that the restrictions were to be lifted.
(of God, fate, etc.) to destine or predestine: Fate had ordained the meeting.
verb (used without object)
OTHER WORDS FOR ordain
4 predetermine.
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Origin of ordain
First recorded in 1250ā1300; Middle English ordeinen, from Old French ordener, from Latin ordinÄre āto order, arrange, appointā; see ordination
OTHER WORDS FROM ordain
Words nearby ordain
orcinol, OR circuit, Orcus, Orczy, ord., ordain, ordained, ordainee, ordeal, ordeal bean, ordeal tree
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Ā© Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use ordain in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for ordain
ordain
/ (ÉĖĖdeÉŖn) /
verb (tr)
to consecrate (someone) as a priest; confer holy orders upon
(may take a clause as object) to decree, appoint, or predestine irrevocably
(may take a clause as object) to order, establish, or enact with authority
obsolete to select for an office
Derived forms of ordain
ordainer, nounordainment, nounWord Origin for ordain
C13: from Anglo-Norman ordeiner, from Late Latin ordinÄre, from Latin ordo order
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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