destiny
Destiny (noun) means the events that will necessarily happen to someone or something in the future, especially when thought of as being outside anyone's control. Example: “She believed it was her destiny to become a doctor.”
How to Use Destiny
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA person's or thing's eventual fate, especially when it feels predetermined.
Word Forms
destinies plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
She believed it was her _____ to become a doctor.
Etymology
From Old French destinee, from Latin destinare, "to determine or fix".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for destiny
See all rhymes for destiny →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “destiny” mean?
The word “destiny” means the events that will necessarily happen to someone or something in the future, especially when thought of as being outside anyone's control. In plain terms, a person's or thing's eventual fate, especially when it feels predetermined.
How do you pronounce “destiny”?
“Destiny” is pronounced DEHS-tih-nee (/ˈdɛs.tɪ.ni/ in IPA).
How do you use “destiny” in a sentence?
Here is “destiny” used in a sentence: “She believed it was her destiny to become a doctor.”
What part of speech is “destiny”?
“Destiny” is a noun.
Where does the word “destiny” come from?
The word “destiny” comes from Latin. From Old French destinee, from Latin destinare, "to determine or fix".
Is “destiny” a common word?
“Destiny” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between destiny and fate?
Both refer to events that are set to happen and are seen as beyond a person's control. In common usage, 'fate' often carries a sense of an inescapable, sometimes negative outcome, while 'destiny' can suggest a purpose one is meant to fulfil, though the two words are frequently interchangeable.
What is the difference between destiny and fortune?
Fortune refers to luck or chance and the good or bad turns of events it brings. Destiny is the predetermined course of events thought to be fixed in advance, so fortune emphasizes chance while destiny emphasizes what is meant to be.
What is the difference between destiny and free will?
Destiny suggests that certain events are fixed in advance and outside anyone's control. Free will is the ability to make one's own choices, so the two ideas are often contrasted in discussions of whether the future is predetermined.
Is 'destiny' countable?
Destiny is usually uncountable when it means the overall predetermined course of events. It can be countable when referring to the futures of different people, as in 'the destinies of two nations.'