premeditate
UK: priːˈmɛdɪteɪt | US: priˈmɛdɪteɪt
vt. to plan or consider beforehand, especially with deliberate intent
The word "premeditate" combines the Latin prefix pre- (meaning "before") with the root medit- (from Latin meditari, "to think or reflect"). The suffix -ate turns it into a verb. Historically, it implied careful forethought, often with a neutral or positive connotation, but in modern legal contexts (e.g., "premeditated murder"), it emphasizes deliberate planning of harmful acts. The morphemes reflect a logical sequence: thinking (medit) ahead (pre) to act (-ate).
The crime was clearly premeditated, as the suspect had purchased tools in advance.
She premeditated every detail of her speech to avoid mistakes.
Lawyers argued whether the defendant had time to premeditate the assault.
Premeditating a decision can lead to better outcomes in complex situations.
His actions were impulsive, with no evidence of premeditation.