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Definition of destiny

destiny

/ˈdɛstəni/
des · ti · ny
Plural:destinies
•
Adjective:destined
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destiny Lexical Profile

destiny Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future; one's appointed lot or fortune.

Example

"She believed it was her destiny to become a concert pianist and dedicated every afternoon to practice."

2

The hidden power or agency believed to predetermine future events and control the course of human life.

Example

"The ancient playwrights often portrayed humanity as powerless against the invisible hand of destiny."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

While often used interchangeably with 'fate', 'destiny' typically carries a more positive, purposeful connotation of potential that one can actively shape, whereas 'fate' often implies an inescapable, predetermined, or tragic outcome.

• Nearby Words

destination
destine
destined
destiny
destitute
destitution
destress

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Old French 'destinee', from the feminine past participle of Latin 'destinare' (to make firm, establish, or intend), derived from 'de-' (completely) and a root related to 'stare' (to stand).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Destiny. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/destiny
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