Fate vs Destiny
What’s the difference between them?
Fate
Meaning:
Fate is the power or agency thought to predetermine events and to have control over a person’s destiny.
Examples:
1. 'It was fate that brought them together.'
2. 'He accepted his fate with courage.'
3. 'It was fate that she would end up in that small town.'
Destiny
Meaning:
Destiny is the predetermined course of events that will happen in the future and can be influenced by a person.
Examples:
1. It's my destiny to be the best athlete I can be.
2. Her destiny is to be a musician.
3. Fate has determined our destiny.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Fate
Destiny
fortune
Free will
Destiny
Fate
fortune
There are no direct antonyms for this word.
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Fate", "Destiny".
1. Remember that Fate is something that is predetermined by an outside force, while Destiny is determined by the choices and actions taken by an individual.
2. Think of Fate as something that is out of your control, while Destiny is something that you can control through your choices and actions.
3. Use the acronym F.A.T.E to remember Fate - it stands for 'Fixed and Unchangeable'. Use the acronym D.E.S.T.I.N.Y to remember Destiny - it stands for 'Decisions Everyone Shapes Their own Future In Now'.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When to use the first word?
The word 'fate' is typically used to refer to the course of events that are predetermined and are beyond anyone’s control. Fate can refer to a predetermined outcome, such as a person’s destiny, or a certain event that has already been set in motion. For example, 'It was his fate to be the first man on the moon.'
When to use the second word?
The word 'destiny' is typically used to refer to a predetermined outcome or path that a person or thing is destined to follow. Unlike fate, destiny implies that a person or thing is predestined to a certain outcome or destiny. For example, 'It was his destiny to lead his people to greatness.'
Do the words have the same pronunciation?
Although the two words are often used interchangeably, they are not pronounced the same. The word 'fate' is pronounced as /feiht/, while the word 'destiny' is pronounced as /des-te-ni/.
What are common mistakes associated with words?
One common mistake is confusing the words 'fate' and 'destiny'. Although they are often used interchangeably, they do have subtle differences. Fate is typically used to refer to events or outcomes that are predetermined and beyond one’s control, while destiny is used to refer to a predetermined outcome or path that a person or thing is destined to follow. Additionally, it is important to remember the different pronunciations of the two words.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. What lies ahead for us is something that we can never know for sure, it is __________.
2. He felt as if his life was predetermined and there was nothing he could do to change his __________.
3. Even though she had experienced much sadness and pain, she still believed that __________ was on her side.
4. When he heard the news of his promotion, he knew that it was __________ that had finally worked in his favor.
5. After all of the struggles and hardships she faced, she still believed that __________ was guiding her to a better future.
6. He felt helpless against the forces of __________ that had taken over his life.
1. Answer: Fate
Explanation: Fate means the predetermined events that were supposed to happen to someone, suggesting that these events are unavoidable and unchangeable.
2. Answer: Destiny.
Explanation: Destiny means the events that have been planned by a higher power or force, suggesting that these events are predetermined and unavoidable.
3. Answer: Fate
Explanation: Fate means the predetermined events that were supposed to happen to someone, suggesting that these events are unavoidable and unchangeable.
4. Answer: Destiny.
Explanation: Destiny means the events that have been planned by a higher power or force, suggesting that these events are predetermined and unavoidable.
5. Answer: Fate
Explanation: Fate means the predetermined events that were supposed to happen to someone, suggesting that these events are unavoidable and unchangeable.
6. Answer: Destiny
Explanation: Destiny suggests that a higher power is ultimately in control of someones life and that this power will ultimately bring good outcomes.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.