predetermined
UK[ˌpriːdɪˈtɜːmɪnd]US[ˌpriːdɪˈtɜːrmɪnd]
adj
decided or arranged in advance
Morpheme Breakdown
pre
de
termined
pre
before
de
completely
termined
limited
Etymology
The word 'predetermined' is built upon the earlier verb 'determine', which originates from the Latin determinare, meaning "to enclose within boundaries, to limit, to settle". This Latin term itself is a compound of the intensive prefix de- and terminare (to set bounds), from terminus (a boundary mark). The addition of the prefix pre- (before) shifts the temporal focus, creating a sense of something being settled, fixed, or decided upon beforehand. Thus, the literal progression from the concept of "setting a boundary" evolves into the modern abstract meaning of an outcome or condition that is established in advance of any action or event.
Analysis
Structure: pre (before) + de (completely) + termined (limited)
- pre: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "before" or "in advance".
- de: Latin origin, a prefix here used as an intensifier meaning "completely" or "thoroughly".
- termined: From the Latin root terminus (boundary, limit), via the verb determinare (to limit, fix, settle). In this word, it carries the sense of "set" or "fixed".
Examples
The outcome of the experiment was predetermined by the initial conditions.
They met at a predetermined time and location.
The rules of the game are predetermined and cannot be changed.