noun
predestination
pree-des-tih-NAY-shun/ˌpriːdestɪˈneɪʃn/
The belief that events are determined in advance, especially by divine will.
A divine hand holds a fixed life path, illustrating predestination.
Etymology
The pieces express determining something beforehand. In the theological sense, the determining agent is God: salvation or other outcomes are understood as settled by divine appointment rather than left undecided.
In context
But what’s the use of going to church when it’s all settled by predestination?
More examples
- Her belief in predestination gives her confidence in God's plan.
- The class debates whether predestination leaves room for free will.
- Some Christian traditions teach predestination in matters of salvation.
Forms
predestination
predestine verb — To determine an outcome in advance.
Similar words
- determinism
- Emphasizes causal necessity rather than a divine plan.
- fatalism
- Emphasizes inevitable outcomes rather than their determination by divine will.