predetermine

[pree-di-tur-min]

verb (used with object)

predetermined, predetermining 

1. to settle or decide in advance.

   He had predetermined his answer to the offer.

2. to ordain in advance; predestine.

   She believed that God had predetermined her sorrow.

3. to direct or impel; influence strongly.

   His sympathy for poor people predetermined his choice of a career.

predetermine

/ ˌpriːdɪˈtɜːmɪn /

verb

1. to determine beforehand

2. to influence or incline towards an opinion beforehand; bias

Other Word Forms

• predetermination noun
• predeterminative adjective
• predeterminer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of predetermine¹

First recorded in 1615–25; pre- + determine

Example Sentences

If residents couldn’t make it to these, there were predetermined “public temporary refuge areas” within each neighborhood, such as street intersections and homes with large cleared backyards, that provide some increased chance of survival.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There wouldn’t be much reason to worry “about the direction of men,” she observes, “if it were really as predetermined by how much testosterone you have and how much estrogen I have.”

Read more on Salon

"Looking ahead, policy is not on a predetermined path," Cook said.

Read more on Barron's

“So it’s unfortunate that some of those voices are now gonna be silenced with a predetermined winner in their district.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This particular mix pairs pragmatists with hawkish officials who have consistently emphasized inflation risks, a combination that argues against any predetermined cutting schedule.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• predispose