Fate: meaning, definitions and examples
⚖️
fate
[feɪt ]
Definitions
in life
The development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fate |
Use 'fate' when referring to the predetermined course of events that is believed to be beyond a person's control. It often carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation.
|
| destiny |
Use 'destiny' when speaking about a future that is considered inevitable or meant to be, often carrying a positive or inspiring connotation.
|
| fortune |
Use 'fortune' when referring to luck or the universe's influence on one's life, particularly in terms of wealth or success. It usually has a positive connotation.
|
| karma |
Use 'karma' to talk about the concept from Eastern philosophies where one's actions determine future experiences. It often carries a moral or ethical implication.
|
| lot |
Use 'lot' to refer to the situation in life that someone is fated to experience. It usually carries a neutral or slightly resigned connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- -1
- The belief that fate determines our lives.
- The tragic fate of the main character in the novel.
- The concept of fate in Greek mythology.
- The idea of fate vs free will.
- The role of fate in shaping our destiny.
as a verb
Be destined to happen, turn out, or act in a particular way.
Synonyms
doom, ordain, predestine, predetermine.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fate |
Used in general situations to describe the inevitable events or outcomes in life, often with a sense of mystery or impersonal force.
|
| predetermine |
Used to describe something that has been decided or established in advance, often by a set of rules or a planning process.
|
| predestine |
Used in theological or philosophical discussions to suggest that all events have been determined in advance by a higher power, often with a sense of inevitability.
|
| doom |
Carries a negative connotation and is usually used to describe a terrible or catastrophic final outcome that is unavoidable.
|
| ordain |
Typically used in formal or religious contexts to denote something that has been decreed or commanded by a higher power.
|
Examples of usage
- -1
- It was fated that they would meet again.
- The decision was fated to have serious consequences.
- The prophecy was fated to come true.
- The events were fated to unfold as they did.
- The outcome was fated from the beginning.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'fate' comes from the Latin 'fatum', which means 'that which has been spoken', hinting at a predetermined outcome.
- In Old French, 'fate' referred to the goddess of destiny, showing how cultures viewed human life as guided by supernatural forces.
Literature
- In many classic stories like 'Romeo and Juliet', fate plays a crucial role in the characters' lives, suggesting that they are meant to meet despite obstacles.
- Fate is often depicted as a mysterious force in folklore, where characters often struggle against it, highlighting the tension between free will and destiny.
Philosophy
- Several philosophical traditions debate whether humans have free will or if their lives are strictly determined by fate.
- Stoics viewed fate as an essential part of the universe, teaching that one should accept what happens as part of a larger plan.
Psychology
- The belief in fate can influence how individuals cope with life's challenges, sometimes providing comfort in difficult times.
- Studies suggest that people who believe in fate may feel less control over their life events, affecting their motivation and resilience.
Pop Culture
- Movies like 'Final Destination' show people trying to escape their fate, adding excitement and thrills around the idea of destiny.
- In the video game 'Fate/stay night', characters grapple with their own destinies and the choices that shape their futures.
Translations
Translations of the word "fate" in other languages:
🇵🇹 destino
🇮🇳 नियति
🇩🇪 Schicksal
🇮🇩 takdir
🇺🇦 доля
🇵🇱 los
🇯🇵 運命 (unmei)
🇫🇷 destin
🇪🇸 destino
🇹🇷 kader
🇰🇷 운명 (unmyeong)
🇸🇦 قدر (qadar)
🇨🇿 osud
🇸🇰 osud
🇨🇳 命运 (mìngyùn)
🇸🇮 usoda
🇮🇸 örlög
🇰🇿 тағдыр
🇬🇪 ბედი (bedi)
🇦🇿 tale
🇲🇽 destino