foreordination

/,fɔ:rɔ:di'neiʃn/

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Word: Foreordination

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Foreordination refers to the idea that certain events, especially important ones like salvation, have been determined or decided in advance. In theology (the study of religion and God), it often means that God has already planned everything that will happen in the future.

Explanation for New Learners:

Imagine you have a book where the ending is already written before you start reading. Foreordination is like that—everything that happens in life has already been decided. In some religious beliefs, this means that God has already chosen who will be saved and what will happen in the world.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "foreordination" when discussing topics related to religion, especially when talking about fate or God's plan.
• It is often used in theological discussions or writings.

Example:

• "Many believers find comfort in the idea of foreordination, as it suggests that everything happens for a reason and is part of God's plan."

Advanced Usage:

In more complex discussions, "foreordination" can be associated with different theological views, particularly in Calvinism, which teaches that God has predetermined everything that happens, including who will be saved.

Word Variants:

• Foreordain (verb): To decide in advance. Example: "The doctrine states that God foreordains the fate of every individual."
• Foreordained (adjective): Something that has been decided beforehand. Example: "His success seemed foreordained due to his hard work and dedication."

Different Meanings:

• In a general sense, foreordination can be thought of as any kind of predetermined plan, not just in a religious context.

Synonyms:

• Predestination
• Preordainment
• Foreknowledge

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "foreordination" itself does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs, you might encounter related phrases such as: - "It was meant to be" – suggesting that something was destined to happen. - "Written in the stars" – implying that a person's fate has been predetermined.

Summary:

Foreordination is a theological term that represents the idea that God has determined everything that will happen in the future. It is important in discussions about fate, destiny, and religious beliefs, especially within Calvinism.

Academic

Noun

1. (theology) being determined in advance; especially the doctrine (usually associated with Calvin) that God has foreordained every event throughout eternity (including the final salvation of mankind)

Synonyms

• predestination
• preordination
• predetermination