Destiny
/ˈdɛstɪni/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future.
/ˈdɛstɪni/
The predetermined course of events.
She believed it was her destiny to become a famous musician.
💡 Simply: Imagine your life as a story already written. Destiny is like the ending that's already planned, no matter what happens along the way. For example, if you believe your destiny is to become a doctor, then that's what you'll strive for, and you'll work hard to get there.
👶 For kids: When something is meant to happen, like it's already planned for you.
More Examples
The characters in the play struggled against their predetermined destiny.
He felt that his meeting with her was a matter of destiny.
How It's Used
"The concept of destiny has been debated by philosophers for centuries."
"The hero's destiny was foretold in the ancient prophecies."
An often implied power or agency believed to control events.
/ˈdɛstɪni/
It was destiny that brought them together.
💡 Simply: Think of it like a hidden force, a little bit like the universe itself, that makes certain things happen. People often believe that destiny or fate guides life events.
👶 For kids: Something that makes things happen, like a magic power.
More Examples
They felt that the storm was a sign of destiny.
She wondered if she could change her destiny
How It's Used
"The ancient Greeks believed in the Fates, who controlled the destiny of mortals."
"Some religions believe that God has a plan for everyone's destiny."
Idioms & expressions
a date with destiny
An important, often unavoidable, event in the future.
"The soldier knew he had a date with destiny on the battlefield."
From Old French *destinee* (feminine past participle of *destiner* 'to destine, determine'), from Latin *destinare* 'to determine, make firm, make fast, appoint', from *de-* 'from, away' + *stare* 'to stand'.
Used extensively in literature and philosophy throughout history to explore the nature of fate and free will.
Memory tip
Think of a *destination* that you are inevitably heading toward.
Word Origin
"to make firm, to determine"