fate
fate · noun, verb
Definitions
noun, verb
- 1.
The development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power.
- 2.
To be destined to happen or have a particular outcome (usually passive).
- 3.
The outcome or end result of a particular situation or person.
- 4.
(Fates) In Greek and Roman mythology, three goddesses who determined the course of human life.
Forms
plural: fates
Phrases & expressions
- •seal someone's fate — To make someone's negative outcome inevitable
- •a fate worse than death — Something extremely unpleasant
- •tempt fate — To take unnecessary risks
- •twist of fate — An unexpected turn of events
- •leave something to fate — To let events unfold naturally without intervention
Related words
Etymology
From Latin fatum ("prophecy, oracle, what has been spoken"), from fari ("to speak"), past participle fatus. The concept reflects the ancient belief that one's destiny was "spoken" or decreed by the gods.