Foreordination /(fɔːrˌɔːdɪˈneɪʃən)/ is a word that refers to the doctrine of predestination or the belief in a divine plan. It is spelled with the prefix "fore-" meaning "before" and the word "ordination" meaning "a divine decree or appointment." The IPA phonetic transcription breaks down the word into individual sounds, starting with the long "o" sound in "fore," followed by the "r" sound in "ordination." The stress is on the third syllable, "di," which is pronounced "dye."
Foreordination is a term that originates from spiritual and religious contexts, predominantly found in Christianity. It refers to the belief or concept that events or situations are predetermined, or predestined, by a divine power or deity. This doctrine asserts that the omniscient and sovereign nature of a higher power allows them to foresee and predetermine all events, outcomes, and even the fate and ultimate destiny of individuals or entities.
In theological terms, foreordination is closely related to the concept of predestination. While predestination generally refers to the foreknowledge and sovereign control of God over all events and the eternal destinies of individuals, foreordination more specifically focuses on the predetermination of specific events or purposes. It suggests that these events or purposes are part of an ultimate and intricate divine plan, and that nothing happens by chance or without divine authority.
Foreordination is often associated with the idea of God's will and divine providence. It implies that everything in the universe has a purpose and is guided by a higher power, making it an integral belief in many religious doctrines. This concept can offer comfort and assurance to believers, as it suggests that the events and circumstances they encounter are part of a greater plan, even if they may not fully comprehend or anticipate the reasons behind them.
Previous ordination or appointment; predestination.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "foreordination" is derived from two separate elements:
1. "Fore-" is a prefix in English that means "before" or "earlier". It is used to indicate something happening in advance or in anticipation of something else. This prefix is commonly used in various words, such as "foresee", "forecast", "foretell", etc.
2. "-Ordination" is a suffix coming from the Latin word "ordinātiō", which means "order" or "arrangement". It is related to the verb "ordināre", which means "to arrange" or "to establish". This suffix is often used in words associated with arranging or establishing something, such as "ordination", "coordination", "subordination", etc.
When these elements are combined, "foreordination" refers to the act of predestining or predetermining something in advance, usually in a theological or religious context.