Determinism
noun /dɪˈtɜː.mɪ.nɪ.z(ə)m/ — The belief that all events are caused by prior causes
Definition
The philosophical view that all events, including human choices, are determined by prior causes — that the universe unfolds according to laws that make every event inevitable.
Beyond the definition
The idea that removes the feeling of alternatives. Determinism suggests that the road not taken was never, in fact, available — which is either liberating or terrifying, depending on the day.
Origin & history
From Latin 'determinare' (to limit, define, determine) + '-ism'. The doctrine of determination — that all things are determined by what came before them.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
Hard determinism argues that free will is an illusion — choices are the inevitable result of prior causes, back through time.
The appeal of determinism in grief: if everything was determined, then the loss was not preventable, and therefore not your fault.
Soft determinism, or compatibilism, tries to preserve both determined causes and meaningful choice — not everyone finds the reconciliation satisfying.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Determinism” when the meaning fits your context: The philosophical view that all events, including human choices, are determined by prior causes — that the universe unfolds according to laws that make every event inevitable.
Synonyms
fatalism, predestination, inevitabilism
Antonyms
free will, indeterminism
Related words
Determinism vs fatalism
Determinism suggests that all events are caused by prior states according to scientific laws. Fatalism is the belief that events are pre-destined regardless of what one does.
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Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Planetary Mobile Model
A solar-system mobile with planets on curved wires revolves around a central sun-like lamp in an observatory room.
The fixed, predictable orbits of the planets in the model represent a universe governed by unbreakable laws, providing a visual analogy for the concept of determinism.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Determinism" mean?
Determinism is noun meaning: The belief that all events are caused by prior causes. The philosophical view that all events, including human choices, are determined by prior causes — that the universe unfolds according to laws that make every event inevitable.
Where does the word "Determinism" come from?
From Latin 'determinare' (to limit, define, determine) + '-ism'. The doctrine of determination — that all things are determined by what came before them.