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Fateful: meaning, definitions and examples

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fateful

 

[ ˈfeɪtfəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

significant event

The term 'fateful' describes events or moments that have significant and often irreversible consequences. It is commonly used to refer to situations where a critical decision leads to a defining outcome, often with a sense of doom or destiny involved. The word conveys a sense of an unavoidable fate and is often associated with turning points in narratives or lives.

Synonyms

crucial, decisive, momentous, portentous.

Examples of usage

  • The fateful decision changed their lives forever.
  • It was a fateful moment in history that no one could foresee.
  • His fateful encounter led to unforeseen consequences.

Translations

Translations of the word "fateful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fatídico

🇮🇳 भाग्यशाली

🇩🇪 schicksalhaft

🇮🇩 takdir

🇺🇦 фатальний

🇵🇱 fatalny

🇯🇵 運命的な

🇫🇷 fatidique

🇪🇸 fatídico

🇹🇷 kaderci

🇰🇷 운명의

🇸🇦 مقدر

🇨🇿 osudový

🇸🇰 osudový

🇨🇳 命运的

🇸🇮 usoden

🇮🇸 örlagalegur

🇰🇿 тағдырлы

🇬🇪 ბედიადი

🇦🇿 taleyin

🇲🇽 fatídico

Etymology

The word 'fateful' originates from the Middle English term 'fate', which itself comes from the Latin word 'fatum' meaning 'that which has been spoken', or 'destiny'. This term is related to the concept of fate being an inevitable and often predetermined outcome. The prefix '-ful' adds the meaning of being full of or characterized by, thus 'fateful' implies a fullness of fate or destiny. The usage of 'fateful' has evolved through literature and colloquial speech, often employed to emphasize the gravity and importance of pivotal moments in storytelling and real life. Its resonance in both tragic and heroic contexts highlights human experiences tied to fate, choice, and consequence. Over the centuries, 'fateful' has maintained a strong presence in both literary and conversational English, reflecting the ongoing fascination with the themes of destiny and pivotal life choices.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,206, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.