prepense

[ pri-pens ]

adjective

1. planned or intended in advance; premeditated.

prepense

/ prɪˈpɛns /

adjective

1. postpositive (usually in legal contexts) arranged in advance; premeditated (esp in the phrase malice prepense )

Word History and Origins

Origin of prepense¹

1695–1705; pre- + -pense < Latin pēnsus, past participle of pendere to weigh, consider; pensive

Word History and Origins

Origin of prepense¹

C18: from Anglo-Norman purpensé, from Old French purpenser to consider in advance, from penser to think, from Latin pēnsāre to weigh, consider

Example Sentences

Before him this legend consisted of half a dozen great divisions—a word which may be used of malice prepense.

From Project Gutenberg

She'll certainly think I've done it out of malice prepense, as it is.

From Project Gutenberg

This was no harmless action, it looks like malice prepense, unless indeed they excited her anger unintentionally.

From Project Gutenberg

Never again did he employ the type-worn expressions of country journalism, except with set prepense and self-evident satire.

From Project Gutenberg

One man, either through ungovernable passion or malice prepense, takes the life of another.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• calculated
• careful
• cautious
• cold-blooded
• conscious
• meticulous
• premeditated
• prudent
• purposeful
• studious
• thoughtful
• willful