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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Exact sizes and shapes of elements are predetermined, and holes can even be pre-drilled for attachment points. Kurt Kleiner, JSTOR Daily, 7 Nov. 2024 The complaint, filed in a federal court in Austin, alleges that Musk falsely claimed the PAC would choose sweepstakes winners randomly when the selections were, in fact, predetermined. Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 5 Nov. 2024 Their close examination of mouse brains after learning revealed that an engram’s ability to store memory may be predetermined by how DNA is packaged within neurons. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Clearly, this was not just a story, because the current rumor mill is saying that John Mulaney will be making more Everybody’s in L.A. but will not complete his destiny of hosting the 2025 Oscars, which seemed honestly predetermined. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 30 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for predetermine 

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 2 Dec. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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