predestination
predestination
Pronunciation
predestination (prɪˌdɛstəˈneɪʃən)
pre (pri)
p - voiceless bilabial stop
r - alveolar trill
i - near-close near-front unrounded vowel
des (dɛs)
d - voiced alveolar plosive
ɛ - near-open front unrounded vowel
s - voiceless alveolar fricative
ti (ti)
t - voiceless alveolar plosive
i - near-close near-front unrounded vowel
na (nə)
n - voiced alveolar nasal
ə - schwa (mid central vowel)
tion (ʃən)
ʃ - voiceless postalveolar fricative
ə - schwa (mid central vowel
n - voiced alveolar nasal
Word Form Variations
"Predestination" itself is already the singular noun form. There isn't really a plural form for this specific term.
However, depending on the context, you could use related words that have plural forms:
If referring to multiple instances of the doctrine itself: predestination theories or concepts of predestination
If discussing groups predetermined for a certain fate: the predestined (plural)
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
Predestination (prɪˌdɛstəˈneɪʃən):
The belief that all events, especially the ultimate fate of a person's soul, are predetermined by God or a higher power. (synonyms: predetermination, foreordination, fate, destiny) (antonyms: free will, indeterminism)
An instance of predestination:
A specific preordained outcome or event. (synonyms: preordained outcome, predetermined fate)
Adjective:
Predestined (prɪˈdɛstɪnd):
Already determined by fate or a higher power. (synonyms: predetermined, fated, destined) (antonyms: undetermined, contingent)
Examples of Use
Literature:
"Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles: This classic Greek tragedy explores the theme of predestination through the story of Oedipus, who unknowingly fulfils a prophecy to kill his father and marry his mother. (source: Play itself)
"The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne: The Puritan beliefs surrounding predestination and sin are central to the characters' struggles in this American novel. (source: Novel itself)
"A Prayer for Owen Meany" by John Irving: This contemporary novel explores themes of faith and predestination through the life of a seemingly ordinary boy who may have a preordained role. (source: Novel itself)
Newspapers & Online Publications:
"Does Predestination Exist?" (Headline from a theological website): Many religious websites and publications discuss the concept of predestination in relation to different theological perspectives. (source: Hypothetical website)
"Scientists Debate Free Will vs. Predestination" (Headline from a science magazine): Neuroscience and psychology sometimes investigate the concept of predestination in relation to free will and human behaviour. (source: Hypothetical science magazine)
Entertainment Mediums:
Film: "Minority Report" (2002): This science fiction film explores a society where crimes are predicted by precognitive individuals, raising questions about free will and predestination.
Television: "Game of Thrones" (HBO): The concept of prophecy and a predetermined future is woven into the narrative of this fantasy series.
General Public Discourse:
"I believe everything happens for a reason, it's all part of God's plan" (Informal conversation): People sometimes use ideas related to predestination to express their belief in a predetermined fate.
"There's no such thing as destiny, we make our own choices" (Informal conversation): This statement expresses the opposing viewpoint of free will against predestination.
10 Famous Quotes Using the term Predestination
While there aren't many direct quotes using the word "predestination" itself, here are ten famous quotes that touch on the concept of predetermined fate or divine will:
"Our lives are a tapestry woven with threads of joy and sorrow, but whose design was made long before we ever saw the loom." (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Poet) - This quote speaks of a preordained life path.
"Believe you can and you're halfway there." (Theodore Roosevelt, President) - This quote, though not directly about predestination, suggests a belief in the power of shaping one's own destiny.
"The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings." (William Shakespeare, Playwright) - This line from Julius Caesar argues against blaming fate and emphasises personal responsibility.
"Man proposes, God disposes." (Thomas à Kempis, Philosopher) - This proverb highlights the potential conflict between human plans and a higher power's will.
"Fate whispers to the warrior, 'You cannot withstand the storm.' The warrior whispers back, 'I am the storm.'" (Paraphrased Proverb) - This quote emphasises defying a predetermined fate through action.
"What is meant for you will not pass you by." (Indian Proverb) - This proverb suggests a belief in an inevitable fate.
"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." (William Shakespeare, Playwright) - This line from Hamlet acknowledges forces beyond human understanding that may influence events.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." (Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady) - This quote emphasises the power of personal belief in shaping one's future.
"The dice are cast." (Julius Caesar, Historical Figure) - This famous phrase signifies a point of no return, a moment where fate takes hold.
"The past is prologue." (William Shakespeare, Playwright) - This line suggests the past may hold clues about a predetermined future.
Etymology
The word "predestination" is like a mashup of two older words!
The first part, "pre-" comes from Latin and means "before" (like in "predict" or "prehistoric").
The second part, "-destination" also comes from Latin and means "to set a place or goal" (like in "destination" on a trip).
So literally, "predestination" means setting a destination (fate) beforehand.
The word itself first showed up in English around the 1400s, most likely borrowed from French, which had a similar word. Back then, it was used to describe the belief that God had already decided what would happen to everyone's soul after they died – heaven or something else.
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Predestination
There aren't many common phrases or idioms that directly use "predestination." However, here are some related expressions that capture the idea of a predetermined fate:
Written in the stars: This implies that one's destiny is already decided by some cosmic force.
Sealed fate: This suggests that the future is unchangeable and already determined.
Set in stone: Similar to "sealed fate," this emphasises the unalterable nature of someone's path.
Cards are stacked against you: This idiom implies forces beyond your control are working against a particular outcome.
Destiny calls: This phrase suggests a powerful and inevitable pull towards a certain future.
In the lap of the gods: This expression signifies that events are ultimately out of human control and in the hands of fate.
These phrases don't directly mention predestination, but they all convey the concept of a predetermined future or forces beyond human control.
Posts Related to Predestination
Source Information
Definition of predestination from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.