The universe has an order. No matter how hard you try, you can’t get away from it. However, while fate is set by outside forces, destiny involves choice. Explore fate and destiny in-depth to learn other differences between them. Use examples and fun memory tricks to remember fate vs. destiny.
What Is Fate?
Fate and destiny can easily become intertwined because both of these terms deal with the future. People also use them interchangeably in conversation. Likewise, the definition of the word can vary slightly based on who you ask. To keep things clear, it’s always best to ask the dictionary.
By definition, fate is those outside forces establishing the preordained path of your life despite what you do. Given its definition, it should come as no surprise ‘fate’ comes from the Latin, fatum, meaning has been spoken.
Fate Example
Need an example of fate? Imagine you get on a bus to go to work and it gets a flat tire, which leads to you missing your job interview. These events were beyond your control. That’s fate.
A simple way to think of fate is to think of the three Fates (Atropos, Clotho, and Lachesis). In Greek mythology, they were the three women spinning strings that determined a person’s cycle of life. You can’t control the Fates!
Fate in a Sentence
Still, having a hard time understanding fate? See how fate is used in a sentence.
- You can’t change your fate.
- Fate threw them together.
- Fighting your fate is an impossible battle.
- Fate can be cruel.
- Sometimes, it’s hard to accept your fate.
What Is Destiny?
Fate is outside of your control. However, you can shape destiny with your choices. Why? Because destiny is your future. Coming from the Latin term destinare, which means intended or firmly established, destiny hasn’t already been determined. Therefore, the changes that you make will affect your destiny in life.
Example of Destiny
Destiny is all about your traits determining your future. And, you have the choice to change your destiny by choosing differently. For example, if you’re a saver and work hard all your life, you’re destined to be wealthy. The different qualities that you possess contribute to your future path.
An interesting way to visualize destiny is to think about walking a path. However, your choice to take a fork in the road changes your path.
Destiny in a Sentence
Want to see the word destiny at work? Check out these fun examples of destiny used in a sentence.
- Your actions determine the shape of your destiny.
- We were destined to meet here.
- You have shaped your destiny.
- Each person’s destiny is his own to make.
- Be the master of your own destiny.
Fate vs. Destiny vs. Chance vs. Luck
You have a good handle on fate vs. destiny now. But when chance and luck get thrown into the mix, it gets discombobulated. To make sure everything makes sense, it’s important to look at what chance and luck mean to see how fate and chance or fate and luck are different.
- Chance is something happening unexpectedly. For example, you go to the bank and see a friend from high school. You didn’t plan to see that person; it was just random.
- Luck is good fortune that occurs randomly. Luck is typically intermingled with chance because the good fortune happens randomly.
Chance and luck are easy to get confused with fate. However, by definition, they are random occurrences where fate is a predetermined path. Whether it was your fate to be lucky, who knows?
Difference Between Fate and Destiny
Fate and destiny are both words dealing with a predetermined or destined future. That’s why they are so easy to mix up. However, while fate is concrete and determined by the cosmos, destiny depends on your choices in life.
Looking for more interesting facts about words? Expand beyond the English language to beautiful Latin words. Expand your vocabulary with words like solis occasum.