premeditated

/ˌpriːˈmɛdɪteɪtɪd/
adjectiveIntermediate planned in advance
⚖️Law
formal

Planned or considered beforehand, especially with malicious intent.

The prosecutor argued that the murder was premeditated.

The prosecutor claimed the killing was intentionally planned.

Premeditated actions often carry harsher penalties in court.

Deliberate planning of crimes typically results in stricter punishments.

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In legal contexts, premeditation implies intentional planning, often used in criminal cases.

general

Done with forethought or deliberate consideration.

She made a premeditated decision to quit her job.

She carefully thought about and decided to leave her job.

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In everyday usage, it describes any well-planned action, not necessarily malicious.

Collocations

premeditated murdera killing that was planned in advancepremeditated actionan action that was carefully planned

Related Phrases

premeditated murderphrase
a killing that was planned in advance

💡Pro Tip

Legal vs. General Use

In legal contexts, 'premeditated' often suggests criminal intent, while in everyday language, it simply means planned.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

Always consider the context when using 'premeditated'—it can imply malice in legal settings.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'praemeditatus', past participle of 'praemeditari' (to think over beforehand), from 'prae-' (before) + 'meditari' (to think).

📝Usage Notes

In legal contexts, 'premeditated' often implies malicious intent, while in general use, it simply means planned.

Word Breakdown

pre-
before
prefix
+
-meditate
to think or consider
root
+
-ed
past participle
suffix
+
-ate
to make or cause
suffix
English Dictionary