predetermined

UK: ˌpriːdɪˈtɜːmɪnd | US: ˌpriːdɪˈtɜːrmɪnd

Definition

  1. adj. decided or established in advance

  2. vt. to decide or settle something beforehand

Structure
pre <before>determine <decide>ed <past participle suffix>
Etymology

The word "predetermined" combines three morphemes:

  1. "Pre-" (from Latin prae-, meaning "before") indicates prior action.
  2. "Determine" (from Latin determinare, "to limit, settle") retains its core meaning of making a decision.
  3. "-ed" marks the past participle, turning the verb into an adjective.
    The term evolved from legal and philosophical contexts, where outcomes were "fixed beforehand," reflecting a logical progression from "setting boundaries" (determine) to "pre-setting" them (pre-).
Examples

  1. The experiment's results were predetermined by the initial conditions.

  2. She felt her career path was predetermined by family expectations.

  3. The rules predetermined the outcome of the negotiation.

  4. Critics argued the election was predetermined due to biased regulations.

  5. In classical physics, the universe was seen as a predetermined system.