Fated: meaning, definitions and examples

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fated

 

[ˈfeɪtɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

destined

Fated means that something is destined to happen or predetermined by fate. It implies that events are unavoidable and inevitable.

Synonyms

destined, inevitable, predetermined.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fated

Use this word when referring to something that seems controlled by fate, often with a sense of inescapability or doom. It can have a slightly negative connotation, implying an unavoidable adverse outcome.

  • Their love seemed fated from the beginning, leading to heartbreak.
  • The soldier felt fated to die in battle.
destined

Best used when discussing something that appears meant to happen, often carrying a positive or neutral connotation, and suggesting an inevitable outcome based on a higher plan or purpose.

  • She was destined to become a great artist.
  • They were destined to meet.
predetermined

Use this word when something seems set in advance by a specific plan or decision, often implying a lack of control over the outcome. It has a neutral to slightly negative connotation depending on the context.

  • The results of the experiment were predetermined by the researchers.
  • Her career path was predetermined by her family's expectations.
inevitable

Appropriate for situations where something cannot be avoided or escaped. This word is neutral and does not inherently carry positive or negative connotations, but context can provide those nuances.

  • Given the circumstances, failure seemed inevitable.
  • A collision between the two cars was inevitable.

Examples of usage

  • He felt that meeting her was fated.
  • The fated encounter changed his life forever.
Context #2 | Verb

destine

Fated can also be used as a verb meaning to destine or preordain. It implies a sense of predestination or fate.

Synonyms

destine, predetermine, preordain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fated

This word is often used to express a sense of inevitability or unavoidable destiny, often with a slight negative connotation or in a dramatic context.

  • They were fated to meet under the strangest circumstances.
  • He felt fated to follow in his father's footsteps.
destine

Typically used to indicate that something is meant to happen in the future, suggesting a sense of purpose or inevitability without necessarily implying doom or negativity.

  • She was destined to become a great artist.
  • Their paths were destined to cross.
preordain

This word is commonly used in religious or philosophical contexts, suggesting that something has been decided or fixed by a higher power. It often conveys a sense of inevitability with a more divine or transcendent implication.

  • Many believe their lives are preordained by a higher power.
  • The prophecy seemed to preordain their victory.
predetermine

Often used in formal or academic contexts to suggest that the outcome has been decided in advance by some external factors or forces. It typically carries a neutral or slightly technical tone.

  • The outcome was predetermined by their socioeconomic status.
  • The experiment's results appeared to be predetermined by the initial conditions.

Examples of usage

  • The prophecy fated him to become king.
  • She believed that their love was fated from the start.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word ‘fated’ comes from the Latin word ‘fatum,’ which means 'that which has been spoken,' often referring to destiny.
  • In Old French, it was used to describe events that were predetermined or decreed by a higher power.
  • Its roots imply that fate can be viewed as something fixed or unchangeable.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare’s plays, characters often grapple with the idea of fate, questioning whether they can change their destinies.
  • Many classic fairy tales involve characters who are ‘fated’ to become heroes or princesses, highlighting the inevitability of their journey.
  • Epic tales like the ‘Iliad’ explore how the lives of characters are guided by fate, revealing the tension between free will and destiny.

Philosophy

  • Many philosophical traditions debate whether humans have free will or if our actions are predetermined by fate.
  • Stoicism teaches that we should accept our fate and maintain inner peace despite life's unpredictable nature.
  • The concept of fate is often linked to the idea of karma, suggesting that our past actions influence our present and future outcomes.

Pop Culture

  • In movies like ‘The Matrix,’ characters encounter the concept of fate versus choice, questioning whether their paths are predetermined.
  • The theme of fate is prevalent in TV shows like ‘Game of Thrones,’ where prophecies guide characters' decisions and reveal their destinies.
  • Books like ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ delve into how characters perceive their fated outcomes, mixing love and tragedy.

Psychology

  • Research shows that believing in fate can affect how people cope with challenges, often leading to a sense of acceptance.
  • Some psychologists suggest that viewing life's events as fate can diminish stress, making people feel more at peace with their situations.
  • The belief in fate can influence decision-making, as individuals may feel less responsible for the outcome of their choices.

Translations

Translations of the word "fated" in other languages:

🇵🇹 destinado

🇮🇳 नियत

🇩🇪 vorbestimmt

🇮🇩 ditakdirkan

🇺🇦 призначений долею

🇵🇱 przeznaczony

🇯🇵 運命づけられた (unmei dzukerareta)

🇫🇷 destiné

🇪🇸 destinado

🇹🇷 kaderinde yazılı

🇰🇷 운명 지어진 (unmyeong jieojin)

🇸🇦 مقدر

🇨🇿 předurčený

🇸🇰 predurčený

🇨🇳 注定的 (zhùdìng de)

🇸🇮 usojen

🇮🇸 örlög

🇰🇿 тағдырлы

🇬🇪 ბედნიერი

🇦🇿 talehli

🇲🇽 destinado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,551, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.