foreordain
UK[ˌfɔːr.ɔːˈdeɪn]US[ˌfɔːr.ɔːrˈdeɪn]
v
to decide or arrange something in advance, especially by a divine power or fate.
Morpheme Breakdown
fore
ordain
fore
before
ordain
decree
Etymology
the word 'foreordain' is a compound formed within english from the native prefix 'fore-' and the verb 'ordain', which entered english via old french from latin 'ordinare'. the latin root 'ordin-' relates to order, arrangement, and rank, and is itself from the proto-indo-european root ar-, meaning 'to fit together'. the concept of 'fore-' adds a temporal dimension of 'beforehand'. thus, the literal construction 'to decree beforehand' evolved specifically into the theological and formal sense of predetermining events by divine will or inevitable fate, moving from a general idea of pre-arrangement to one imbued with ultimate authority.
Analysis
Structure: fore (before) + ordain (decree)
fore: from old english 'fore', meaning 'before' in position, time, or rank. functions as a prefix indicating precedence.
ordain: from latin 'ordinare', meaning 'to arrange, set in order'. functions as the root verb meaning to decree or establish authoritatively.
Examples
many religious doctrines hold that a supreme being has foreordained the course of human history.
the prophecy seemed to foreordain the tragic outcome of the king's reign.
she rejected the idea that her future was foreordained and believed firmly in free will.