Looking for a word or expression to describe...

[TheKeenGuy]

Originally Posted by MadSam

The context is more along the lines of a foregone conclusion. For example, that quote from Sun Tzu:
'Every battle is won before it is ever fought.'

Inevitable.

[Harbinger]

Originally Posted by Manchester

To be frank (formerly known as Shirley), as I said, context does make the difference. That said, Fortean seems clairvoyant. And if you need something different, maybe his suggestion would be a good seed for the thesaurus. At least, I'd do that.

Ermm..... I think I'm going to play my 'petty little man' card here, Bob.

But I believe the clairvoyancy badge goes to myself with 'Preordained'.

As well as 'Along the lines of forgone conclusion'

Sorry, Fortean.... Now what do I win?

Just kidding..... I can collect my prize later.

So anyway, if I get what you're saying you're not so much looking for the word as a cool way of phrasing it. In which case, just combine words-

Concrete inevitablity
Unescapable destiny (although that's a slight tautology)
Straight, undeviated path
Quiet inevitability
Binded fate
Inexorable conclusion
Divine path
Fatalistic divinity
Unflinching, unyielding inexorable spin

And so on and so on. Hope this helps. Even if you don't pick one, it gives you an idea. I use this word combination a lot (if it fits the character) to give the dialogue that added zing

[altoption]

Obligatory (amended from obligation)

[Manchester]

Originally Posted by Harbinger

Ermm..... I think I'm going to play my 'petty little man' card here, Bob.

But I believe the clairvoyancy badge goes to myself with 'Preordained'.

As well as 'Along the lines of forgone conclusion'

Sorry, Fortean.... Now what do I win?

Just kidding..... I can collect my prize later.

OK, give Bob Shirley a chance to consult with the judges.

1. "Preordained" is like those credit card come-ons you get that say you're "pre-qualified": "Congratulations, You're PREORDAINED! Complete the enclosed application to the Church of What's Happening Now! and send us $79 - NOW - and we'll send you your Ordination Certificate (suitable for framing, frame charges extra, plus S&H) immediately (or when we get around to it)."
   .
2. Sorry, but the clairvoyance prize was preordained.
   .
3. Bob Shirley loves words but can't read so good.

Please make your choice from any of the above, then apply PRN.

[cshel]

Originally Posted by MadSam

The context is more along the lines of a foregone conclusion. For example, that quote from Sun Tzu:
'Every battle is won before it is ever fought.'

Just my 2 cents, FWIW.

I think the quote actually means that which ever side is the strongest/smartest/bravest/best prepared is going to win the battle. In which case, preordained/destined/fated is not quite right. It's not referring to a spiritual idea, like god has chosen sides. It's referring to a physical reality that can be known by examining the opponents. So, in that sense, I think that "inevitable" or "predictable" would be good word choices. They are a little more graceful and succinct than something like "foregone conclusion".

[Bobby Dazzler]

Don't writers keep a Roget's on their shelf anymore?

Just wondering...

[asjah8]

irrevocable.


modified to add:

not trying to derail the thread as i think the op has lots of answers...

i keep thinking about this in relation to cause and effect. inevitable focuses on cause, doesn't it? something has to lead up to something for it to be a foregone conclusion. irrevocable focuses on the effect; the conclusion itself is final irregardless of the initiative that begins it. both are adjectives but one is more firm and finite.

thoughts?

[cshel]

Originally Posted by asjah8

the conclusion itself is final irregardless of the initiative that begins it.

thoughts?

My thought is: irregardless is not an actual word, regardless of how many people use it.

[asjah8]

Originally Posted by cshel

My thought is: irregardless is not an actual word, regardless of how many people use it.