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premeditated
/ˌpriːˈmɛdɪteɪtɪd/
planned in advance
The detective concluded that the crime was premeditated.
The detective determined that the crime was carefully planned beforehand.
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.
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.
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
Antonyms
Related Phrases
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
suffixEnglish Dictionary