Definition

Adjective 1. Decided, arranged, or established in advance: Refers to something that has been fixed, settled, or decided before the relevant event or process occurs. 2. Predestined or fated: Can imply that an outcome was inevitable due to prior conditions or a pre-existing plan.

Usage

The adjective "predetermined" describes a condition, result, or course of action that was decided beforehand. It is often used in formal, technical, or analytical contexts to indicate a lack of spontaneity or a fixed structure.

Examples

• The experiment failed because all the variables were predetermined, leaving no room for unexpected discoveries.
• The route for the parade was predetermined by the city council months ago.
• She rejected the notion that her future was predetermined by her family's history.
• The machine stops automatically at a predetermined temperature.

Advanced Usage

• "Predetermined outcome": A result that was known or decided in advance, often suggesting a lack of genuine competition or free will.
  • The trial was criticized as a sham with a predetermined outcome.
• "Predetermined path/course": A sequence of events or a direction that was established beforehand.
  • The software follows a predetermined path to diagnose the problem.

Variants and Related Words

• Predetermine (verb): To decide or establish something in advance.
  • The rules predetermine who is eligible to apply.
• Predetermination (noun): The action of predetermining or the state of being predetermined.
  • The predetermination of the winners made the contest pointless.
• Predestined (adj.): Similar to "predetermined" but often with a stronger connotation of divine will or fate.
• Preset (adj.): Often used for mechanical or electronic settings fixed in advance (e.g., a preset radio station).

Synonyms

• Prearranged
• Pre-established
• Preordained
• Fixed
• Set

Antonyms

• Spontaneous
• Unplanned
• Undetermined
• Open-ended

Adjective

1. set in advance
   • a preset plan of action
   • at a predetermined time