predetermine

verb

pre·​de·​ter·​mine ˌprē-di-ˈtər-mən How to pronounce predetermine (audio)
predetermined; predetermining; predetermines

transitive verb

1
b
: to determine beforehand
2
: to impose a direction or tendency on beforehand

Examples of predetermine in a Sentence

The sex of the child is predetermined when the egg is fertilized. religious sects that believe that an individual's salvation has been predetermined by God
Recent Examples on the Web However, because parametric payouts are predetermined, they are not based on actual customer losses. Ruth Foxe Blader, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 Vivek Ramaswamy believes that the outcome of the Super Bowl has been predetermined. Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 31 Jan. 2024 The other sees life as unpredictable, precisely because our choices are not predetermined, but influenced by our consciousness, our experience of being ourselves. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 31 Jan. 2024 The rule, while will take effect March 11, directs employers to consider six criteria for determining whether a worker is an employee or a contractor, without predetermining whether one outweighs the other. David Hamilton, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2024 Both decisions were predetermined for whichever team represented the AFC in Sunday’s game. Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 11 Feb. 2024 The exact age at which graying of hair happens is predetermined by genetics. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2024 The current negotiations in Congress appear predetermined to fall flat. Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2024 During a caucus, representatives -- often predetermined volunteer precinct captains -- for each candidate, if not a campaign staffer or candidate themselves, pitch their candidates in hopes of winning over their fellow caucusgoers. Kendall Ross, ABC News, 3 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'predetermine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin praedeterminare, from Latin prae- + determinare to determine

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of predetermine was in 1601

Dictionary Entries Near predetermine

Cite this Entry

“Predetermine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predetermine. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

predetermine

verb
pre·​de·​ter·​mine ˌprēd-i-ˈtər-mən How to pronounce predetermine (audio)
1
2
: to decide or settle beforehand
meet at a predetermined place
predetermination
-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on predetermine

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