Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Fatalist: meaning, definitions and examples

⏳
Add to dictionary

fatalist

 

[ˈfeɪ.tə.lɪst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

belief in fate

A fatalist is someone who believes that all events are predetermined and therefore inevitable. Fatalists often feel resigned to their fate and believe that they have no control over what happens to them.

Synonyms

determinist, predestinarian, predestinist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
fatalist

Use this word when referring to someone who believes that all events are predetermined and inevitable. This term can have a negative connotation when implying passivity or resignation to fate.

  • He is such a fatalist, he doesn't believe he can change anything about his future.
  • Her fatalist outlook makes her feel there's no point in trying to improve her life.
determinist

Use this term when referring to someone who believes that every event or state of affairs, including human decisions, is the result of preceding events in accordance with the laws of nature. It usually has a more scientific or philosophical nuance compared to 'fatalist'.

  • As a determinist, he argues that free will is an illusion since all actions are determined by prior causes.
  • The determinist perspective suggests that every action is a consequence of a chain of events.
predestinarian

Use this term primarily in religious contexts, when talking about someone who believes that all events, especially salvation or damnation, have been predetermined by a divine power.

  • He grew up in a predestinarian church that taught everything in life is preordained by God.
  • The preacher's predestinarian view meant he believed that our destinies were already set by a higher power.
predestinist

Similar to 'predestinarian', this term is used when discussing the belief in predestination, often in religious or theological contexts.

  • As a predestinist, she believes that our futures are determined by God's will.
  • The debate between free will and predestinist views has been ongoing for centuries.

Examples of usage

  • Despite his best efforts, the fatalist accepted that his fate was sealed.
  • The fatalist viewed the outcome of the election as already decided.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'fatalist' comes from 'fate', which has roots in Latin 'fatum', meaning 'that which has been spoken' or 'destiny'.
  • Derived from the French term 'fatalisme' introduced in the 19th century, the concept reflects a long-standing philosophical idea.
  • 'Fatalist' was formally used to describe those who subscribe to this belief in the 19th century, gaining prominence in literary and philosophical discussions.

Philosophy

  • The philosophy of fatalism posits that human actions are predetermined, contrasting with free will which suggests we can change our trajectory.
  • Strict fatalism suggests that no matter what choices we make, the outcome remains the same, making debates about personal agency and responsibility significant.
  • Many philosophers, like Arthur Schopenhauer, have explored fatalistic views in their works, examining the implications of acceptance versus action.

Literature

  • Literary works often explore fatalistic themes, such as Shakespeare’s 'Macbeth', where fate and prophecy play a crucial role in the characters' decisions.
  • In classic Russian literature, authors like Dostoevsky examined fate, showing characters grappling with the idea that their destinies are beyond their control.
  • Herman Melville's 'Moby-Dick' illustrates fatalism through Captain Ahab's obsession with fate, suggesting a struggle against a predestined path.

Culture

  • Different cultures interpret fatalism uniquely, with some seeing it as a comforting belief while others view it as a barrier to progress.
  • In some Asian philosophies, like certain strands of Buddhism and Taoism, there’s an embrace of fate, highlighting harmony with the universe rather than conflict.
  • Pop culture often portrays fatalists as resigned characters, which can romanticize the notion of fate without deeper exploration of its complexities.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies suggest that people with a fatalistic outlook may exhibit lower motivation to change their circumstances, often feeling powerless.
  • Research indicates a correlation between a fatalistic mindset and mental health issues, with feelings of helplessness leading to higher rates of anxiety or depression.
  • Psychologists argue that understanding individual beliefs about fate can influence therapeutic approaches, highlighting the importance of empowering clients.

Translations

Translations of the word "fatalist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fatalista

🇮🇳 भाग्यवादी

🇩🇪 Fatalist

🇮🇩 fatalis

🇺🇦 фаталіст

🇵🇱 fatalista

🇯🇵 宿命論者 (しゅくめいろんしゃ)

🇫🇷 fataliste

🇪🇸 fatalista

🇹🇷 fatalist

🇰🇷 운명론자 (unmyeonglonja)

🇸🇦 قَدَرِيّ (qadariyy)

🇨🇿 fatalista

🇸🇰 fatalista

🇨🇳 宿命论者 (sùmìng lùnzhě)

🇸🇮 fatalist

🇮🇸 örlagatrúarmaður

🇰🇿 фаталист

🇬🇪 ფატალისტი (fatalisti)

🇦🇿 fatalist

🇲🇽 fatalista

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,496, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.