fate implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome.
the fate of the submarine is unknown
destiny implies something foreordained and often suggests a great or noble course or end.
the country's destiny to be a model of liberty to the world
lot and portion imply a distribution by fate or destiny, lot suggesting blind chance
it was her lot to die childless
, portion implying the apportioning of good and evil.
remorse was his daily portion
doom distinctly implies a grim or calamitous fate.
if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain
Examples of destiny in a Sentence
They believed it was their destiny to be together.
motivated by a sense of destiny
Recent Examples on the WebThe film appeared in main competition in Cannes in May and is on one an extended look at the romantic destiny of his perennial heroine, Qiaoqiao (Zhao Tao) over a period of 21 years.—Patrick Frater, Variety, 25 June 2024 Despite the inevitable reminiscing, designers admired Van Noten for controlling his own destiny.—Joelle Diderich, WWD, 23 June 2024 But in a dark twist on the you-and-I-are-the-same of so many a staredown between a criminal and his destiny decider in cinema, Angelo begins to actually commit the very crimes Klaus did.—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 June 2024 Born to a prominent family, his destiny was shaped early on by Emperor Hadrian, who saw potential in him for leadership.—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 20 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for destiny
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'destiny.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English destinee, from Anglo-French, from feminine of destiné, past participle of destiner — see destine
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