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Definition of aforethought

aforethought

/əˈfɔːrθɔːt/
a · fore · thought
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aforethought Lexical Profile

aforethought Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Premeditated, planned, or thought of in advance (chiefly used after the noun in the legal phrase 'malice aforethought').

Example

"The prosecutor had to prove that the defendant acted with malice aforethought."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

Premeditation or prior consideration before an action.

Example

"The intricate structure of the essay showed a great deal of careful aforethought."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

As an adjective, 'aforethought' is used almost exclusively as a postpositive modifier following the noun 'malice' in the legal phrase 'malice aforethought'.

• Rhymes for aforethought

• Nearby Words

afoot
aforementioned
aforesaid
aforethought
afoul
afraid
afresh

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in late Middle English from the prefix 'afore-' (before) and 'thought', originally serving as a translation of the Anglo-French legal phrase 'malice prepense'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Aforethought. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/aforethought
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