Destined

'dɛstɪnd

adjectiveIntermediateCommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Predetermined; certain to happen or to be something.

'dɛstɪnd

adjectiveneutralIntermediate
General

Certain to do or to be something.

She was destined to become a doctor, following in her father's footsteps.

💡 Simply: When you're destined for something, it's like it's written in the stars! Imagine you love to sing, and everyone tells you you have a fantastic voice. You're probably destined to be a singer! It means it's very likely you will be one.

👶 For kids: When something is destined, it means it's meant to happen. Like if you're super good at drawing, you might be destined to be an artist!

More Examples

2

The ship, battered by the storm, seemed destined to sink.

3

They were destined to meet, no matter the obstacles.

How It's Used

General usage

"He was destined for greatness."

Literary

"The lovers were destined to be together."

2

To predetermine or preordain; to decree as a fate.

'dɛstɪn

verbneutralAdvanced
Literature

To predetermine something.

The oracle destined him to be a king.

💡 Simply: Imagine a story where the writer has already decided what's going to happen. That character is destined for something. It's like the writer made a plan for them and their future.

👶 For kids: When something is destined, it means someone or something *planned it to happen*, even before it happens!

More Examples

2

The war destined many young men to an early death.

3

She felt that her choices were destined to lead to success.

How It's Used

Formal

"The gods destined him for a life of hardship."

Literary

"Their fates were destined by the ancient prophecy."

Tip:Think of *design*: fate *designs* the future.

Idioms & expressions

be destined to

To be certain or likely to experience or do something in the future.

"He was destined to be a great leader."

From Middle French *destiner*, from Latin *destinare* ('to determine, establish'), from *de-* ('down, away') + *stare* ('to stand').

Used in classical literature to describe a predetermined fate or destiny, often in the context of mythology and religious beliefs. Its usage has evolved but retains strong connotations of predetermined outcomes.

Memory tip

Think of *destiny* - something that is already planned for you.

destenddestineded

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written