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

"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.”

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

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

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That person would pass it on via cellphone to someone at the table known as the “Quarterback” or “Driver,” who would use predetermined signals to alert the other conspirators.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• predispose