foreordained
/ˌfȯr-ȯr-ˈdānd/ (ame, mw)
foreordained — adjective
- foreordainedpositive
- more foreordainedcomparative
- most foreordainedsuperlative
1. Decided or arranged before something happens, especially by God or fate, so that
Decided or arranged before something happens, especially by God or fate, so that people cannot change or avoid it.
The pastor told the congregation their meeting was foreordained by God.
passive: foreordained by [divine agent]
Kwame felt his path as a healer was foreordained from the day of his birth.
collocation: foreordained from [point in time]
The old monk spoke quietly about events that seemed foreordained long ago.
Ingrid asked whether history follows a foreordained plan or merely random chance.
- predestined
Strictly theological; specifically refers to divine will regarding salvation or life events.
- preordained
Very close in meaning; slightly less formal than 'foreordained' but still literary.
- fated
More literary and often suggests an impersonal destiny rather than a divine plan.
- inevitable
General-purpose word with no supernatural implication; used in everyday contexts.
- accidental
Happening by chance, not by design or destiny.
- random
Not following any plan, purpose, or pattern.
用法筆記
Most common in theological or literary contexts where the subject is fate, destiny, or divine will. Typically occurs in passive constructions (was foreordained) or attributively before a noun (a foreordained outcome). Less frequent in everyday speech, where 'predestined' or 'inevitable' are more common alternatives.